Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro Neck and Neck Before Brazil Runoff
publishers 150articles 288first reported 25 Sep, 00:35 UTCdeveloping since 25 Sep · 35 editions
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro were effectively tied ahead of Sunday’s presidential runoff, after a campaign focused on living costs, crime, public spending and allegations of improper influence on social media.
A CNT/MDA poll released Saturday put Bolsonaro at 46.3% and Lula at 45%, within its 2.2-percentage-point margin of error. A Datafolha survey published Thursday showed each candidate with 50% of valid voting intentions. Bolsonaro, the son of jailed former President Jair Bolsonaro, led the first round on October 4 with 47% to Lula’s 45%.
During Friday’s final televised debate, the candidates questioned each other about the economy, infrastructure and regional development while exchanging accusations over corruption and public security. Bolsonaro criticized high prices and pledged to cut government spending and confront organized crime. Lula challenged the proposed cuts, invoked hunger and inequality, and questioned his opponent’s experience.
The closing days also brought competing legal complaints. Lula’s coalition asked the Superior Electoral Court to disqualify Bolsonaro, alleging abuse of economic power and unfair amplification by Meta’s platforms. Bolsonaro’s campaign separately sought Lula’s disqualification over alleged misuse of government communications and official data for campaigning. Meta denied favoring either candidate and said technical errors had mistakenly deactivated some Lula advertisements.
Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term. Bolsonaro, 45, has pledged to pardon his father and pursue a smaller state and tougher security policies if elected.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 8 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 570 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 150
- Source articles
- 288
- Given to the writer
- 8, 8 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 570 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
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- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
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