Brazil election: Lula, Flavio Bolsonaro head to runoff after tight first-round vote
Brazilian President Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro are heading to a runoff election on October 25 after neither candidate secured a majority in the first round. The campaign is heavily focused on economic concerns, corruption allegations, and national security.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will determine the political trajectory of Latin America's largest economy and influence regional stability.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, an ally of US President Donald Trump and the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, will face each other in a runoff election on October 25 after neither secured the majority needed to win the presidency in the first round.Brazil's electoral authority said the 80-year-old Lula, who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, and 45-year-old Bolsonaro advanced after finishing first and second in Sunday's vote.With more than 97% of ballots counted, Bolsonaro had 47.45% of valid votes, while Lula had 44.66%, according to Reuters.The electoral court in Brasilia earlier put Bolsonaro at just over 55.8 million votes and Lula at nearly 53.2 million. Both candidates were expected to address supporters.Cost of living, corruption and security dominate campaignThe two candidates will now have three weeks to appeal to voters who backed other candidates in the first round.
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