Brazilians vote in presidential election runoff pitting leftist Lula against far-right Bolsonaro
Brazil is holding a highly competitive presidential runoff election between incumbent leftist Lula da Silva and far-right challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. The race is extremely tight, with both candidates presenting starkly different visions for the country's democratic future.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine the political trajectory of Latin America's largest economy and influence regional democratic stability.
Flávio Bolsonaro and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva debate on 18 October 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil. Photograph: Tuane Fernandes/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Flávio Bolsonaro and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva debate on 18 October 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil. Photograph: Tuane Fernandes/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Brazil Brazilians vote in presidential election runoff pitting leftist Lula against far-right Bolsonaro Incumbent president lost in first round to senator and son of convicted ex-president
Prefer the Guardian on Google Brazilians are going to the polls on Sunday in a highly unpredictable runoff in which the leftist president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , is attempting an unprecedented comeback against the far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro , who won the first-round vote.
Bolsonaro’s surprise victory despite not leading most polls made him the favourite three weeks ago, but since then Lula’s campaign has gained ground, and the two go into the contest virtually tied.
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
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