United StatesBrazil Election Heads to Runoff
Far-right challenger Flávio Bolsonaro leads incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with a second round vote set for October 25. Bolsonaro's strong showing has shifted the country's political landscape to the right.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Brazil's presidential election will go to a second round after Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, won 47.1% of the vote. Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received 45% of the vote.
With more than 99% of votes counted, Bolsonaro will face Lula in a runoff vote on October 25. Bolsonaro is likely to be boosted by the migration of votes from other right-wing candidates.
The far-right put in a stronger than expected showing, with several Bolsonarista politicians winning congressional or gubernatorial races. Jair Bolsonaro's second son, Carlos Bolsonaro, and his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, won seats in the senate.
Flávio Bolsonaro told supporters that the result signalled the end of an era for Lula's Workers' party. He said, 'Lula has fought seven presidential elections. He's worried about power. I am worried about the future of Brazil.'
Lula put a brave face on a difficult night for the left, saying, 'We have just had a lesson in Brazilian democracy. The result is often unexpected.' He added that Bolsonaro's 'dark past' would become clearer to voters in the lead-up to the second round.
Of the 54 senators elected, 34 were from the right or far right. Bolsonaro's former infrastructure minister, Tarcísio de Freitas, was reelected as governor of São Paulo, Brazil's most populous and economically important state.
The second round vote will be closely watched, with Bolsonaro going into the vote as the favourite. Lula will need to win over voters who supported other candidates in the first round to have a chance of winning.
Key facts
- Flávio Bolsonaro won 47.1% of the vote in the first round.
- Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received 45% of the vote.
- The second round vote will be held on October 25.
- The far-right won 34 of the 54 senate seats.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The election result has shifted the country's political landscape to the right, with the far-right winning several key races. The second round vote will be closely watched, with both candidates vying for support from voters who supported other candidates in the first round. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Brazil's future.
Positive
Flávio Bolsonaro's strong showing has given him a good chance of winning the presidency, and his focus on the future of Brazil may resonate with voters. The election has also shown that the far-right is a significant force in Brazilian politics, and their views will need to be taken into account in the future.
Negative
The election result has been seen as a setback for the left, with Lula's Workers' party facing a significant challenge in the second round. Bolsonaro's 'dark past' may also become a factor in the campaign, and his views on power and the future of Brazil may be seen as divisive.
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