Brazil Presidential Election: Lula Faces Flávio Bolsonaro In Closely Fought Runoff

Brazilians are voting on Sunday to choose their next President in elections, in which President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking an unprecedented comeback against far-right Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who secured the most votes in the first round.

Brazil’s election campaign has been shaped by corruption allegations, economic concerns, and claims of US interference, which Washington has denied. Another key issue is the 2025 conviction of former president Jair Bolsonaro for plotting a coup after the 2022 election.

Flávio Bolsonaro’s unexpected first-round win, despite trailing in most polls, put him in a strong position ahead of the runoff three weeks ago.

Since then, however, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has gained support, leaving the two candidates neck and neck as they head into the vote, according to the Guardian.

The first round saw the smallest gap between the candidates ever recorded, with the difference falling below two percentage points.

During the runoff campaign, the 81-year-old Lula has focused on getting his supporters to vote, as abstention hit a record high in the first round and affected his voter base disproportionately. He has also warned about the possible consequences of another Bolsonaro presidency.

Voting is mandatory for most adults in Brazil. Those who fail to vote without a valid reason can be fined up to 3.51 Brazilian reais, less than one US dollar.

Voters who miss three consecutive elections may also have their registration cancelled. Until they clear their fines, they cannot obtain or renew passports and certain identity documents, or participate in recruitment for civil service positions.

Flávio has pledged to pardon his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, if he wins. With an even more conservative Congress set to take office next year, the senator has also promised to “change the constitution and re-democratise this country”.

His remarks have raised concerns among those who fear he could pursue an authoritarian path similar to his father’s.

Although inequality and unemployment have fallen, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has struggled to gain support from voters facing high living costs and mounting household debt. Widespread gang violence has also become a major concern for the electorate.