No first-round runner-up has won Brazil's election run-off as voters choose between Lula and Bolsonaro
A close presidential contest
The campaign has taken place against a historic pattern: no candidate who finished behind after the first round has ever overturned that deficit to win the second round. Flávio Bolsonaro campaigned on the eve of voting in Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais, a state described as essential for presidential hopefuls since the 1980s.
Rallies seek to lift turnout
In Barra de Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, where Jair Bolsonaro has a home, supporters rallied in his favour wearing Brazil’s national colours. One supporter praised Flávio Bolsonaro’s pledges to tackle violence, terrorism and narco-trafficking, and to lower interest rates.
Democracy and outside influence
Lula and the Workers’ Party have described the contest as a “battle for democracy.” They argue Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction for plotting a coup shows that “Bolsonarismo” threatens Brazil’s democratic institutions. Lula’s administration has accused the United States of interfering in the election; Washington called the allegation “baseless.” Lula has also said Brazil “does not fit into anyone’s backyard,” an apparent reference to the US administration’s national security strategy and its claim of US dominance in the Western hemisphere.
Competing campaign attacks
Lula has attacked the Workers’ Party as corrupt, pointing to financial scandals that plagued it for years and alienated many voters. The rival campaigns have also traded personal attacks in the run-up to the vote. The election’s outcome will determine who leads Brazil after a campaign marked by sharply contrasting messages about democracy, public safety and the parties’ records.
Key points
- Brazil votes Sunday in a closely contested presidential run-off between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro.
- Thirty-three million people did not vote in the first round, prompting Lula supporters to rally for higher turnout.
- No candidate who trailed after the first round has ever won Brazil’s second round.
- Washington described Brazil’s accusation of US election interference as “baseless.”