Voters in Brazil to choose between Lula and Bolsonaro's son

What the report says

Brazilians are voting in a closely contested presidential run-off, with the main choice between incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, and right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro, 45. The BBC reports that Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, while Bolsonaro is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a prison sentence linked to a coup plot after the 2022 election.

According to the BBC, Bolsonaro entered the final round after finishing first in the opening vote on 4 October, and his campaign has emphasized tougher action against organised crime, along with tax and spending cuts. Supporters at rallies said they see him as a candidate for change. Lula’s side has also mobilized heavily, with large gatherings aimed at increasing turnout after millions of people abstained in the first round.

The vote is being framed as a broader contest over Brazil’s political direction. Lula and his Workers’ Party describe it as a fight to defend democracy, while Bolsonaro has attacked the party over corruption scandals and argued that cooperation with Washington could help restore state control in areas affected by gangs. The BBC also notes tensions over alleged US involvement in the campaign, which Washington denies.

The result is expected on Sunday evening, with Lula in São Paulo and Bolsonaro in Brasília as ballots are counted.