RIO DE JANEIRO, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Workers' Party (PT) on Friday launched Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as its candidate for the Brazilian presidency.

Several prominent PT politicians, such as former President Dilma Rousseff, attended the launching ceremony at Contagem, Minas Gerais state. However, the candidate himself did not attend.

Lula, who had already served as Brazil's president for two terms, from 2003 to 2010, is trying to return for a third term, but has a big obstacle ahead.

Lula is currently in jail. He was sentenced to 12 years of jail for bribe-taking and money laundering two months ago.

Lula was found guilty at an appeals court. The court could order him to start serving the sentence immediately. The sentence also means that, according to Brazil's electoral law, Lula cannot run in the election.

The former president is appealing to both the Superior Court of Justice and the Supreme Court, in order to keep his record clear until all appeals are judged, which would both get him out of jail and ensure his participation in the election.

By reaffirming Lula as its candidate, the PT sends the message that they are not looking for a substitute in case Lula is not allowed to run. However, the party reportedly has alternates in mind in case of necessity.

The party can also choose to support candidates from other parties, such as Ciro Gomes, from the Democratic Labor Party or Guilherme Boulos, from the Socialism and Freedom Party.