Brazil votes in tightly contested election amid corruption scandals and US tensions
Brazil held the first round of a closely fought presidential election, pitting incumbent left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva against Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
On Sunday Brazil conducted the first round of a presidential election that has become a referendum on democracy, corruption and external influence. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 80, is running for a fourth term, while Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, aims to restore his father Jair Bolsonaro's right-wing movement after the elder's conviction for coup plotting. The race is tightly balanced, with surveys indicating a runoff is probable if no candidate exceeds 50% of the vote.
Campaign themes include Lula's warning against "denialism" and foreign meddling, and Flavio's pledge to secure a pardon for his father. Economic concerns such as high living costs, rising public debt and modest growth forecasts have dominated voter anxieties, while a scandal involving the defunct Banco Master has entangled several political figures. U.S. trade measures and alleged interference have further intensified the contest, raising questions about Brazil's future direction.
Why it matters
The outcome will shape Brazil's democratic trajectory, economic policy and its relationship with the United States.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Lula runs ultra-cautious campaign as poll gap with Bolsonaro narrows
- Sep 13 A new poll released in early September records Bolsonaro at 46% and Lula at 45% in a hypothetical runoff.
- Sep 25 President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed an order banning online betting in Brazil, a move that takes effect immediately but needs congressional approval within 120 days.
- Sep 28 The ban is now subject to a 120‑day congressional review.
- Oct 2 Presidential debate scheduled for Oct 1 was cancelled after the electoral court barred Lula’s participation and Bolsonaro withdrew.
- Oct 4 Both candidates held final campaign rallies, with Lula ending his bid in São Paulo and Flávio Bolsonaro leading a motorcycle convoy in São Paulo state.
- Oct 4 First round of Brazil’s presidential election was held.
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