What to know about Brazil’s 2026 presidential election

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Brazil presidential election heads to runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro

   Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro will face a runoff election on October 25 after neither candidate secured a majority in the first round held Sunday, October 4. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, exceeded polling expectations as the right wing gained ground. Approximately 159 million Brazilians were eligible to vote in the contest. The race remains tight, with voters focused on the economy and crime. The result is expected to influence Brazil's international relations and the strength of its democratic institutions.

   Why it matters

   This election serves as a rematch of the 2022 contest where Lula narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro. It now pits the left-wing incumbent against the former president's son. The outcome is viewed as a test for a growing pro-Trump bloc in Latin America.

   What is confirmed

   • The first round of the presidential election took place on October 4.
   • Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro failed to win a majority vote and will compete in a runoff.
   • The runoff election is scheduled for October 25.
   • Flávio Bolsonaro is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
   • Around 159 million Brazilians are eligible to vote.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The result of the election could reshape Brazil's regional and international relations.
   • The election offers a test for a growing pro-Trump Latin American bloc.

   What to watch next

   • The runoff election on October 25
   • Campaign activity in powerhouse states leading to the final vote
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. NPR — Brazil's big political rematch: What to know
   2. theguardian.com — Brazil’s neck-and-neck election offers test for growing pro-Trump Latin American bloc
   3. www.cfr.org — Brazil’s 2026 Election: What to Know and What’s at Stake
   4. reuters.com — Lula's lead over Bolsonaro narrows ahead of Brazil vote, CNT/MDA poll shows
   5. www.aljazeera.com — What to know about Brazil’s 2026 presidential election
   6. The Hill — Brazil’s Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro campaign in powerhouse state ahead of Sunday’s presidential vote
   7. Al Jazeera — What to know about Brazil’s 2026 presidential election
   8. www.hindustantimes.com — Lula vs Bolsonaro in Brazil as Trump keeps a close eye: What we know about the Brazil presidential electi....
   9. www.chicagotribune.com — The Latest: Brazil heads to runoff presidential election between Bolsonaro, Lula
   10. theconversation.com — Brazil elections 2026: First‑round victories demand a commitment to democracy by the far‑right that has not yet been made
   11. www.opb.org — Brazil's big political rematch: What to know about the Brazilian election - OPB
   12. www.bbc.com — What to know about Brazil's election pitting Lula against Flávio Bolsonaro
   confidence 95%