Bolsonaro leads Lula as Brazil election goes to run-off
Flavio Bolsonaro, son of the former leader, unexpectedly led President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the first round of Brazil's presidential election. The race will now proceed to a run-off on October 25, marking a potential shift toward right-wing politics in the region.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will significantly impact Latin American political trends and Brazil's future governance.
Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of the far-right former leader Jair Bolsonaro, finished ahead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazil's election, which will go to a run-off in three weeks.
In a surprise result that defied opinion poll projections showing Mr Lula in the lead, Flavio Bolsonaro received around 47% of the vote to the incumbent's 45%.
If Mr Bolsonaro wins in the 25 October election, Brazil will be the latest country to swing to the right in Latin America, a trend championed by US President Donald Trump.
The election also included a series of significant wins for the right in parliament, a setback for Mr Lula, who at 80 is seeking a fourth term in office to cement his legacy.
Mr Bolsonaro's Liberal Party, the largest party in the Senate, secured 19 of the 54 seats being contested but fell short of an outright majority.
Also covering this story
17 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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