As Brazil's presidential election winds down, both observers in the country and abroad are closely watching the election's front runner, Dilma Rousseff.

Rousseff was born in Brazil's south-eastern state of Minas Gerais. In her youth, she participated in the armed resistance group known as Colina and Armed Revolutionary Vanguard, to fight against Brazil's military regime. She was tortured and spent three years in prison in the early 1970s. Her traumatic background prompted Brazilians to give her the nickname, Iron Lady.

Now a seasoned politician, Rousseff's campaign speeches, were dotted with President Lula's economic achievements. She has promised to make Brazil an economic giant.

Dilma Rousseff said, "And I want to say to you, that we, Brazilian women, are competent to govern this country and to give it as much pride as President Lula gave it. This president, who has a place in the heart of every Brazilian."

Rousseff became the secretary of mines and energy in her home town, Porto Alegre in late 1980s.

She began entering the country's political spotlight, after joining the Workers' Party in 2001. She served as Minister of Energy during the first term of President Lula which began in January 2003, and in June 2005 she became the Chief of Staff.

Roussef was handpicked by president Lula to succeed him.

Lula said, "I can say to each and every one of you that I nominated her to be the future president of this country, because I would put my two hands in the fire for her."

As the current front runner for presidency, many are expecting Rousseff to make history in Brazilian politics. Local media are speculating she could lead Brazil to unparalleled economic growth and increase the nation's political clout on the global stage.

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