Brazil's presidential race heads to Lula–Bolsonaro run-off as right gains ground
The Brazilian presidential race is set for a runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro after neither candidate secured a majority. The election results indicate a significant rightward shift in the country's legislative bodies.
Why it matters
The shift in legislative power alongside the presidential contest highlights deep polarization and the potential for significant policy changes in Brazil.
RIO DE JANEIRO —Brazil's presidential race is heading to a runoff between left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro after neither candidate secured the more than 50% of valid votes needed to win outright.
The race was tight, with Bolsonaro finishing ahead of Lula in Sunday's first-round election. With over 98% vote counted, Flavio Bolsonaro leads with over 47% of the vote and Lula holds second place with 44% of the vote.
If that sounds like déjà -vú, it's because in many ways, this election is a rerun: Lula narrowly defeated Bolsonaro's father, former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, in 2022. Jair Bolsonaro is now serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest after being convicted of plotting to overturn that election and prevent Lula from taking office.
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5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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