Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro tied days before Brazil runoff

· Politics · Brazil

Brazil's presidential runoff is too close to call, with a Datafolha poll showing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and far-right challenger Flavio Bolsonaro about even ahead of Sunday's vote, within the margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. Other recent surveys put Flavio Bolsonaro slightly ahead, a lead that narrowed after last weekend's acrimonious debate. Lula's campaign is actively targeting the so-called "Lula generation" of voters over 70, close in age to the 80-year-old president. Lula has also accused his rival of benefiting from alleged interference by Meta, which the tech firm denies, and said Bolsonaro should be disqualified. The result will shape Latin America's largest economy and its stance abroad.

Why it matters：A runoff this close could swing Brazil's policy on the Amazon, trade and alliances, with consequences well beyond the region.

Key points

  • Datafolha puts the two candidates about even, within 2-point margin
  • Other polls show Flavio Bolsonaro slightly ahead after the debate
  • Lula accuses Meta of favouring his rival; the company denies it

Sources (original reporting)

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