Bolsonaro Leads Lula in Brazil
Far-right challenger Flávio Bolsonaro will face leftwing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a runoff vote after winning the first round of Brazil's presidential election. Bolsonaro secured 47.1% of the vote, while Lula received 45%.
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 the first round with 47.1% of the vote.
Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received 45% of the vote, setting up a runoff between the two candidates on 25 October.
Bolsonaro's result exceeded expectations, and he is likely to be boosted by the migration of votes from other rightwing candidates who were knocked out in the first round.
The far-right put in a strong showing in congressional and gubernatorial races, with several Bolsonarista politicians winning seats, including Jair Bolsonaro's wife and sons.
Flávio Bolsonaro told supporters that the result signalled the end of an era for Lula's Workers' party, while Lula said Bolsonaro's dark past would become clearer to voters in the lead-up to the runoff.
The election was close, with Bolsonaro winning 47.24% of the vote to Lula's 44.91% with 98.81% of votes counted.
The runoff will determine whether Brazil, Latin America's largest country and economy, will follow the trend of electing right-wing presidents.
Bolsonaro has pledged to grant his father and his supporters amnesty if elected, and his campaign has focused on themes of sovereignty, crime, and the economy.
Key facts
- Flávio Bolsonaro won the first round of Brazil's presidential election with 47.1% of the vote.
- Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received 45% of the vote.
- The runoff vote will be held on 25 October.
- The far-right won several congressional and gubernatorial seats in the election.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The runoff vote will be closely watched as it will determine the direction of Brazil's government. The election has polarized the country, with voters divided on issues such as sovereignty and the economy. The outcome will have significant implications for Brazil and the region.
Positive
Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign has focused on issues such as crime and the economy, which are important to many Brazilian voters. His pledge to grant amnesty to his father and supporters could appeal to some voters who feel that the current government has been too harsh.
Negative
Bolsonaro's dark past and his pledge to grant amnesty to his father and supporters have raised concerns among some voters. The far-right's strong showing in the election has also sparked fears about the direction of the country and the potential for increased polarization.
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