Bolsonaro (Flavio Bolsonaro) is leading with 47.2% of the votes in Brazil's presidential election, while Lula (Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva) is following closely with 45%. With over 99% of the votes processed, neither candidate has reached the necessary threshold for victory, and thus they will proceed to the second round of the election.
Current Election Status
Bolsonaro is monitoring the vote count in Brasília, the country's capital, while Lula is following the process from São Paulo. Due to Brazil's use of electronic voting machines, final results are expected to be announced within a few hours after the polling stations close.
Analysis and Predictions
Fabio de Sa e Silva, a professor of Brazilian studies at the University of Oklahoma, has stated that right-wingers are currently gaining power in Brazil, making it difficult for Lula to change the course of the election. He said, "He still has a chance based on the statistics, but the movement is towards the right." This analyst also pointed out the challenges Lula will face if he wins in the second round, noting that he will encounter difficulties governing with Brazil's new Congress.
Lula and Bolsonaro wrapped up their campaigns in the economically significant state of São Paulo on Saturday. The 80-year-old Lula promised to "defeat the far-right" during his campaign's conclusion in a tour of the city. Organizers reported that about 150,000 of Lula's supporters attended this rally.
Lula has focused on continuing his Workers' Party platform, which includes welfare programs and income distribution. During his voting, he stated, "People must choose between strengthening the democratic regime and barbarism, between progress and regression."
Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, has been a Liberal Party senator for Rio de Janeiro since 2019. On Saturday, he held a motorcade in the suburbs of São Paulo while carrying a portrait of his father as the crowd shouted "mito," which means "legend."
Bolsonaro has criticized the high cost of living during Lula's time in office, emphasizing strict security policies and tax cuts. During his voting, he said, "Brazil needs change."
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