Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday that he did not intend to take a leave of absence to help the candidate from his ruling Workers' Party, Dilma Rousseff, in the presidential campaign, Xinhua reported.
Lula said that it would be inconsiderate for him to leave his obligations as president to help the former chief of staff in the campaign.
"I will only pass on the presidential sash on Jan. 1," Lula said. "Until then, my priority is ruling Brazil."
According to him, the best contribution he can make to Rousseff's campaign is to be a good president.
"The best legacy I can leave to Dilma's campaign is a good government," he said. "The better the government is, the more I can help Minister Dilma to be President."
Lula also assured that Rousseff is able to carry on the campaign without his help. The latest polls show that Rousseff is either taking a lead on voting intentions or in a close tie with opposition candidate Jose Serra.
The president said he will participate in some campaign events if possible, but only at night or during weekends. He will also record some radio and TV clips.
President Lula is currently in Tanzania on his last official trip to Africa. He will also visit Zambia and South Africa.