Brazil votes as Lula and Bolsonaro neck and neck

· Politics · Brazil · United States

Polls show Lula slightly ahead of Senator Flavio Bolsonaro before Sunday's first-round vote, with a runoff likely. Lula told a Rio rally he is the only barrier to far-right 'fascists' returning to power; the US and Australia closed diplomatic services over security concerns.

Why it matters:Brazil's election will shape the largest Latin American economy's ties with Washington and the direction of a growing pro-Trump regional bloc.

Key points

  • A runoff between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro appears likely
  • Lula accused rivals of plotting a return of far-right rule
  • Washington and Brasília have clashed over sovereignty and security

Sources (original reporting)

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