Brazil heads to polls in runoff between leftist Lula and Bolsonaro Jr.

Brazilians vote on Sunday, October 25, in a presidential runoff between leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Nearly 160 million people are eligible to vote, and results are expected the same night. Bolsonaro led the first round on October 4 with 47.03% to Lula's 45.16%, according to MercoPress. Polls show the race practically tied, with Datafolha giving each candidate 50% of valid votes. Historically, no candidate who came second in the first round has won. Lula has highlighted increases to the Bolsa Familia programme and a 40-hour working week, while Bolsonaro has focused on security and cost of living and pledged to pardon his father, convicted of plotting a 2022 coup. Lula has accused the Trump administration of trying to sway the election, while Washington denies US meddling. Argentine President Javier Milei has backed Bolsonaro.

Where accounts differ. Rappler and The Straits Times describe Bolsonaro as slightly ahead in polls, while MercoPress reports the latest Datafolha poll showing a dead heat at 50% each.

The Straits TimesRapplerMercoPress

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