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Brazil’s right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has narrowly edged incumbent left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the first round of the presidential election, setting up a runoff between the two on October 25.
With 99.99% of the votes counted, Bolsonaro secured 47.03% of the valid votes, while Lula received 45.16%, according to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court.
The result came as a surprise after pre-election polls had generally indicated a close race, with several surveys showing Lula ahead or the two candidates effectively tied.
The cost of living, corruption, crime and economic concerns were among the key issues shaping the campaign. Bolsonaro’s strong first-round performance has given his campaign momentum, while Lula’s camp is preparing for a fresh contest ahead of the runoff.
After the results were announced, Bolsonaro told reporters in Brasilia that “Brazil wants change” and said he was pleased with his performance.
Bolsonaro, 45, is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and is running for president for the first time. His father, who lost the 2022 election to Lula, is serving a 27-year sentence following his conviction over a coup attempt aimed at overturning that result.
Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term as president. Speaking to supporters in São Paulo, he said a new campaign would begin the following day.
The runoff will determine who leads Latin America’s largest economy. The election is also being closely watched for its potential impact on Brazil’s economic policies and relations with the United States and other major powers.
