Brazil presidential vote pits Trump ally against Lula, who is seeking a 4th nonconsecutive term

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Brazil Presidential Race Heads to Runoff Between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro

   Brazilian voters head to the polls in a high-stakes, deeply polarized presidential election pitting veteran incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva against Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, an ally of US President Donald Trump. Lula is seeking a fourth nonconsecutive presidential term, facing off against Bolsonaro in a contest marked by debates over crime, corruption, and international influence. Recent polling indicates Lula holds a narrow lead over his opponent as the race proceeds. The election has drawn intense national and international scrutiny over the future of democratic governance in Latin America's largest country.

   Why it matters

   Brazil is the fifth-largest nation globally by area and the seventh-largest by population, encompassing over 212 million people spread across 26 states and the Federal District of Brasilia. The current electoral showdown reflects deep ideological divisions within the federation, which commands the largest Lusophone population in the world and covers roughly half of South America. The contest follows accusations of outside political interference from the US administration.

   What is confirmed

   • President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro are heading to a runoff vote in Brazil's presidential election.
   • Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term as president of Brazil.
   • Senator Flavio Bolsonaro is identified as an ally of US President Donald Trump.
   • Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and seventh-largest by population, with over 212 million people.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Trump administration has been accused of interfering in Brazil's election process.

   What to watch next

   • Official results and date announcements for the upcoming presidential runoff election between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro.
   • Further updates on polling data and campaign developments in powerhouse states leading up to the runoff.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — Brazil - Wikipedia
   2. www.worldatlas.com — Brazil Maps & Facts - World Atlas
   3. www.countryreports.org — Brazil — Facts, Capital, Population, Flag & Profile
   4. simple.wikipedia.org — Brazil - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
   5. en.wikipedia.org — Geography of Brazil - Wikipedia
   6. reuters.com — Lula's lead over Bolsonaro narrows ahead of Brazil vote, CNT/MDA poll shows
   7. CNN — Trump, crime and corruption loom over Brazil’s presidential vote
   8. BBC — What to know about Brazil's election pitting Lula against Flávio Bolsonaro
   9. Politico — Brazil’s Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro campaign in powerhouse state ahead of Sunday’s presidential vote
   10. AP News — Brazil presidential vote pits Trump ally against Lula, who is seeking a 4th nonconsecutive term
   11. Al Jazeera — Brazil votes in deeply polarised election pitting Lula against Bolsonaro
   12. NPR — Brazil voters go to the polls in election that pits Lula against Bolsonaro's son
   confidence 95%