Flávio Bolsonaro Leads Lula in Brazil's Presidential Election Runoff
Flávio Bolsonaro secured 47% of votes against incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 45% in Brazil's first round of presidential elections on 4 October. As no candidate achieved a majority, a runoff is scheduled for October 25. Flávio, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, has gained a political foothold despite facing a corruption investigation. His campaign has benefited from significant gains for his party in Congress, doubling its Senate seats to 28. Lula, who has been in power for 18 of the last 24 years, faces challenges from a disenchanted electorate amid economic concerns. Historically, no candidate who lost the first round has won the runoff since Brazil's return to democracy in 1985.
Published 16 hours ago • 06 Oct 2026, 02:49 PM IST