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Brazil Polls Close: Lula vs. Bolsonaro in Tense Presidential Election
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News18•05-10-2026, 04:45
Brazil Polls Close: Lula vs. Bolsonaro in Tense Presidential Election
- •Polling has concluded in Brazil's presidential election, featuring left-wing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
- •Approximately 160 million registered voters participated in the election, which also included votes for legislators, governors, and senators.
- •Results are anticipated quickly due to Brazil's electronic voting system; a run-off on October 25 will occur if no candidate secures over 50% of valid votes.
- •Lula, seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term, campaigns on social programs, while Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, pledges a tough stance on crime and closer US ties.
- •Key campaign issues included crime, insecurity, cost of living, corruption, and concerns over US intervention, with violence being the top concern among voters.
Key Questions Answered
If no presidential candidate secures more than 50 per cent of valid votes in the initial election, the top two candidates will advance to a run-off scheduled for October 25.
The closely contested presidential race features left-wing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Workers' Party and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence due to his role in a coup plot following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.
