Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a presidential runoff, the country’s electoral authority said after the first round on 4 October.
With just over 97% of ballots counted, Bolsonaro, the right-wing challenger, had 47.45% of valid votes. Lula, a leftist seeking a fourth term, had 44.66%. Bolsonaro’s result was better than most private polls had forecast.
The runoff will be held on 25 October. Twelve other candidates were eliminated in a campaign focused on the cost of living, corruption and insecurity.
Bolsonaro, 45, is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula is 80.
The outcome will be watched in Washington. A Bolsonaro win would add to wins by right-wing candidates aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump across Latin America, while the U.S. government has clashed with Lula’s government over trade and security.
Voting in the second round takes place on 25 October.
