The Brazil presidential election begins on Sunday, and polls indicate that the competition between Lula and Bolsonaro is very close. Leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking a non-consecutive fourth term, while Senator Flávio Bolsonaro is trying to continue his father Jair Bolsonaro's right-wing movement.
End of the Campaign
The two main candidates concluded their campaigns on Saturday in São Paulo state, Brazil's economic hub. Lula, 80, wrapped up his campaign with a tour in São Paulo city, promising to "defeat the far-right" and described the election as a choice between "democracy and governance" and "savagery and corruption." Organizers announced that around 150,000 of Lula's supporters attended this large rally in Brazil's largest city.
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Campaign Platforms
Lula emphasizes continuing his Workers' Party platform, which includes welfare programs, state development, and income redistribution. On the other hand, Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, has served as a senator for the Liberal Party in Rio de Janeiro since 2019. He led a motorcade on Saturday in the suburbs of São Paulo, including Santa Bárbara d'Oeste and Americana.
Right-wing Bolsonaro has focused on tough security policies and tax cuts, criticizing the high cost of living under Lula. Flávio Bolsonaro also stated, "I am sure everything is ready for us to win this election in the first round."
Bolsonaro also held a portrait of his father while the crowd chanted "mito" (meaning "legend"). His father, Jair Bolsonaro, is currently serving 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. Flávio Bolsonaro has promised to pardon his father if elected.
Election Situation Analysis
Lula's team views Bolsonaro's movement as a threat to Brazil's governance, pointing to the relationship between Flávio and Jair with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Polls show that neither candidate can definitively secure more than 50% of the votes, and if necessary, a second round of elections will be held on October 25.
According to the latest polls, Lula has 46% and Bolsonaro has 45% of the votes. If a second round is held, the poll indicates that Lula will receive 42% and Bolsonaro 44% of the votes.
