Brazil's presidential election enters a critical phase as Lula and Bolsonaro face a close race in the first round, with a runoff expected on October 25. Polls indicate a narrow margin, with Lula leading slightly but both candidates unlikely to secure more than 50% of the vote. The outcome could reshape Brazil's political landscape.
Lula, 80, and Bolsonaro, 45, wrapped campaigns in Sao Paulo, with Lula vowing to 'defeat the far right' and Bolsonaro emphasizing his father's legacy. Both candidates frame the election as a choice between democracy and sovereignty, with Lula warning against foreign influence and Bolsonaro highlighting economic issues under Lula's administration.
The election's outcome could impact Brazil's governance and its relationship with the US, as both candidates face scrutiny over their campaigns. Lula's team has accused Bolsonaro of undermining Brazil's sovereignty, while Bolsonaro's campaign faces investigation over funding for a biopic on his father. A runoff would determine the next president, with neither candidate expected to win outright in the first round.