Brazil election poll puts Augusto Cury at 10%

Brazilian psychiatrist and self-help author Augusto Cury has reached 10 percent in a Quaest poll for the October presidential election, placing him behind Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro but ahead of other candidates.

The findings published Wednesday put Lula at 37 percent and Bolsonaro at 29 percent. Each other candidate had less than three percent.

Cury, 67, is campaigning under the slogan "Brazil just wants to be happy" and presenting himself as an alternative in a polarised race. He gained public attention after appearing in a presidential debate that the top two candidates did not attend.

His online following has gained 2.2 million followers within a week. Cury, author of self-help books including "The Master of Love," is making his first run for office. His previous political experience is limited to a stint with Brazil's Green Party 15 years ago.

Cury describes himself as a centrist and says he wants to support businesses, reduce bureaucracy and promote emotional education. Brazilians are due to vote on October 4, with a runoff on October 25 if no candidate wins the first round outright.