Brazil votes in razor-close presidential race between Lula and Bolsonaro's son
Brazilians cast ballots Sunday in a tightly contested presidential election pitting incumbent Lula da Silva against Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who is seeking to continue his father's right-wing movement. Polling suggests the race is too close to call, with a runoff likely.
Voting concluded Sunday in Brazil's presidential election, a close contest between 80-year-old incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is pursuing a fourth and final term, and 45-year-old Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who hopes to carry forward the political movement started by his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Neck-and-neck polling
Surveys show the two candidates running almost evenly, making it unlikely either will cross the 50% threshold needed to avoid an October 25 runoff. According to polling firm Quaest, cited by Reuters, Lula leads 46% to 45% in the first round, while a potential runoff shows Bolsonaro ahead, 44% to 42%.
Final campaign pushes
Both candidates closed out their campaigns Saturday in Sao Paulo state. Lula held a rally in the city that organizers said drew roughly 150,000 supporters, framing the vote as a choice between democracy and backsliding. Bolsonaro led a motorcycle procession through smaller towns near Sao Paulo, campaigning on tougher security measures and tax cuts while pointing to the high cost of living under Lula's government.
Background
Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to overturn his 2022 election loss to Lula. His son has pledged to pardon him if elected. Lula's campaign has highlighted the Bolsonaro family's ties to US President Donald Trump, who imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports last year over Jair Bolsonaro's prosecution. In September, it emerged that Flavio Bolsonaro faces an investigation into alleged corruption and money laundering. Roughly 160 million registered voters are also choosing other lawmakers and governors in Sunday's election.
