BRAZIL — Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will face a presidential runoff October 25 after neither secured a majority in Sunday’s first-round election.

Bolsonaro received about 47 per cent of valid votes and Lula about 45 per cent, according to Brazil’s Agência Senado and Reuters. The two leading candidates now advance to a second ballot.

Two candidates, another three weeks

Bolsonaro, 45, represents Rio de Janeiro in the Senate and is running for president for the first time. He is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Lula, 80, is seeking re-election while serving his third presidential term. He first won the presidency in 2002 and returned to office in 2023 after defeating Jair Bolsonaro.

Agência Senado reported turnout of about 79 per cent. Augusto Cury placed third, followed by Renan Santos; neither will be on the presidential runoff ballot.

Cost of living remains central

Reuters reports that household costs, corruption and public security shaped the campaign. Bolsonaro’s first-round showing exceeded polling expectations, while Lula had hoped to win without a second round.

A first-round lead does not determine the final result. Voters will choose between the two remaining presidential candidates on October 25.

Sources: Agência Senado, October 4; Reuters election report.

Composite candidate image accompanying Agência Senado’s runoff report. Credit: Reprodução / Agência Senado. Reproduced under the agency’s published reuse policy; not a photograph of the candidates together.