SingaporeBolsonaro Leads Brazil Election
Flávio Bolsonaro wins first round with 47.24% of the vote, will face President Lula in runoff on October 25. Lula secured 44.91% of the vote, with nearly 99% of votes reported.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, has won the first round of Brazil's presidential election. He secured 47.24% of the vote, beating incumbent President Lula da Silva's 44.91%.
With 98.81% of the votes counted, Bolsonaro's result exceeded expectations, making the second round look like his to lose. Some of the other presidential candidates who were knocked out in the first round were right-wing alternatives.
The election was close, with President Lula polling slightly ahead during the campaign. The majority of Latin America has now elected right-wing presidents, aligned to the Trump administration.
Lula, 80, warned that the choice was between democracy and 'barbarism' after casting his ballot. Bolsonaro, 45, said he wanted to 'free the Brazilian people'.
The campaign has polarised Brazil, with themes of sovereignty, crime, the economy, and corruption being top concerns for voters. Lula is more popular in Brazil's poorer northeast, among low-income voters, Catholics, and women.
Bolsonaro is more popular in the south, and among wealthier voters and evangelical Christians. He has pledged to grant his father, and his supporters responsible for the January 8th riots, amnesty if elected.
Jair Bolsonaro was banned from running for re-election and is serving a 27-year prison sentence for masterminding a failed coup attempt. His wife, Michelle, was elected to the Senate on Sunday.
Key facts
- Flávio Bolsonaro won the first round of Brazil's presidential election with 47.24% of the vote.
- President Lula da Silva secured 44.91% of the vote.
- A runoff vote will be held on October 25 between Bolsonaro and Lula.
- Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence for masterminding a failed coup attempt.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The runoff vote will determine whether Brazil will follow the trend of electing right-wing presidents in Latin America. The election has polarised Brazil, with voters concerned about sovereignty, crime, and corruption. The outcome of the runoff will have significant implications for Brazil's economy and politics.
Positive
Bolsonaro's victory in the first round has given him momentum going into the runoff. His pledge to grant amnesty to his father's supporters may appeal to some voters. A right-wing government in Brazil could lead to closer ties with the US and other Latin American countries.
Negative
Lula's warnings about the choice between democracy and 'barbarism' suggest that the election is a critical moment for Brazil's democratic institutions. Bolsonaro's pledge to grant amnesty to his father's supporters has raised concerns about accountability for those responsible for the January 8th riots. A right-wing government in Brazil could lead to increased tensions with other countries in the region.
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