Brazilians are casting their votes today in a general election, with incumbent left-wing leader Luíz Inácio Lula da Silva facing 11 challengers. The most prominent rival is right-winger Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Opinion polls indicate a close contest between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro, both hovering around the 40% mark, with Lula slightly ahead. A run-off election on 25 October is considered highly likely, as an outright win in the first round requires 50% of valid votes, and a significant number of voters remain undecided.
Jair Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2023, is not participating in this election. The 71-year-old is barred from standing for office and is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup following his loss to Lula in the 2022 election. He is currently under house arrest due to health problems, with restrictions on social media use and public statements.
Lula, 80, is the candidate for the Workers' Party and has previously served three terms as president. Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, is a senator for the Liberal Party and is campaigning on a platform that largely continues his father's policies, including a tough stance on crime.