Brazilians have turned out to vote in a high-stakes presidential run-off between incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as the two candidates offer sharply contrasting visions for the future of Latin America’s largest country.
Key Highlights
- Brazil holds presidential run-off on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
- Incumbent Lula, 80, faces Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
- Flávio led the first round of voting on October 4.
- Crime, taxes, democracy and relations with the US dominate the campaign.
- About 33 million voters did not cast ballots in the first round.
The election, held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, pits the 80-year-old left-wing president against the 45-year-old son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, following Flávio’s lead in the first round of voting on October 4.
Flávio Bolsonaro voted in Rio de Janeiro early on Sunday, telling reporters that the country’s time for “real change” had arrived.
Bolsonaro Campaigns On Crime, Tax Cuts
His campaign has focused on fighting organised crime, reducing taxes and cutting public expenditure.
He has also promised to secure the release of his father, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election and is currently under house arrest due to health concerns.
The senator’s first-round performance has increased pressure on Lula, who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in office. No candidate who finished behind in the first round of a Brazilian presidential election has previously overturned the deficit to win the run-off.
Bolsonaro’s supporters have rallied behind his campaign promises, particularly his proposed crackdown on criminal networks and plans for economic reform.
At campaign gatherings in Rio de Janeiro, supporters accused Lula’s Workers’ Party of weakening the economy and called for tougher measures against violence, drug trafficking and organised crime.
Lula Rallies Supporters At Copacabana
Lula’s camp, meanwhile, has intensified its mobilisation efforts following the first round, when approximately 33 million voters did not cast ballots.
Addressing a large crowd at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, Lula framed the election as a defining moment for Brazil’s sovereignty and political direction.
“We’re going to win the election for one simple reason: it’s true that the people want change, but they want to move forward. They don’t want to go backward,” he said.
Lula and his Workers’ Party have portrayed the contest as a fight to defend democracy, citing Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction over a coup plot as evidence of concerns surrounding the former president’s political movement.
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US Relations In Focus
Relations with United States President Donald Trump have also featured prominently in the campaign. Lula has accused Washington of interfering in Brazil’s election, an allegation the US government has dismissed as baseless.
The incumbent has insisted that Brazil should not be subordinate to any foreign power, while Flávio Bolsonaro has advocated closer cooperation with Washington to combat criminal gangs and restore government control in areas affected by organised crime.
The senator has also criticised the Workers’ Party over corruption scandals that have damaged its standing among sections of the electorate.
The run-off has highlighted deep political divisions in Brazil, with public security, economic policy, democratic institutions and relations with the United States emerging as key issues for voters.
Lula was expected to monitor the election results in São Paulo, while Flávio Bolsonaro was scheduled to be in Brasília as the country awaited the outcome of the presidential contest.
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