Voting results from abroad show split support as runoff count continues.

On Sunday, voting by Brazilian citizens residing in Asia and Oceania concluded with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva winning in five of the nine nations in the region.

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Far-right Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who is the presidential candidate of the Liberal Party (PL), secured victories in the four remaining jurisdictions.

Shortly after noon, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) published a first report on votes abroad, where some 918,000 Brazilians are legally eligible to participate in the presidential runoff. So far the results are as follows:

Lula da Silva

The Workers’ Party leader won in Finland (74.83%), Estonia (82.90%), Cyprus (53.70%), Jordan (90.51%), Syria (90.60%), Kuwait (78.48%), Saudi Arabia (61.25%), Egypt (78.95%), Kenya (64.44%), China (73.67%), Singapore (63.77%), South Korea (64.35%), Australia (63.46%) and New Zealand (80.54%).

Brazilian voters living in Tokyo turned out on Sunday to cast their ballots in the tight presidential runoff. 🇯🇵🇧🇷

As polling stations opened abroad, members of the diaspora expressed contrasting visions for the future of South America's largest nation, covering topics ranging… pic.twitter.com/YVGHP0SBnI

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 25, 2026

Flavio Bolsonaro

The far-right senator have prevailed in Greece (54.95%), South Africa (57.92%), Mozambique (52%), Qatar (55.08%), the United Arab Emirates (54.56%), Thailand (51.72%), Indonesia (60.53%), Hong Kong (51.15%), Taiwan (58.04%), Malaysia (51.76%), the Philippines (59.09%) and Japan (80.08%).

Results Abroad Do Not Indicate a Trend

As of noon Sunday, Bolsonaro held a lead in eight countries and Lula in six. Nevertheless, information on electoral behavior in another 67 countries had not yet been incorporated into the official count.

“Portugal and the U.S., where important communities of Brazilians eligible to vote are concentrated, remained pending the closing of polls in the initial tally,” the outlet Cronica Digital reported.

“In the first round, Lula obtained 157,387 valid votes abroad, equivalent to 47.57 percent, while Flavio Bolsonaro received 143,900, equivalent to 43.49 percent,” it recalled.

Statistically speaking, voting abroad is not significant for drawing conclusions about the final direction of the runoff, since only 0.5% of Brazilian electors reside outside their country.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Cronica Digital – teleSUR

President of the BRICS New Development Bank received a warm welcome from Workers’ Party supporters.

On Sunday, former Brazilian President and current President of the BRICS New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff exercised her right to vote at Santa Marcelina School, located in the Pampulha region of Belo Horizonte.

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The progressive leader arrived at the polling station during the presidential election runoff and was warmly welcomed by supporters of the Workers’ Party (PT).

During the day, she was accompanied by her great-nephew and federal deputy-elect, Pedro Rousseff; federal deputy Rogerio Correia; and federal deputy-elect Bella Gonçalves.

Activists gathered at the site expressed their support for the former president through fighting slogans such as “Dilma, warrior of the Brazilian people” and popular chants in support of her political career. Rousseff greeted the supporters and posed with them before heading to the ballot boxes.

SAFTU Statement of Solidarity with Brazil’s Workers and People

Brazilian workers, Indigenous Peoples, landless families and all those who have struggled for dignity and social justice must come out in their millions to defend the gains won through years of struggle.

Lula da… https://t.co/2hyNG2yfjW

— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) October 25, 2026

The welcome Rousseff received on Sunday differed substantially from the events of the first round of voting held Oct. 4. On that occasion, she faced a hostile atmosphere created by far-right groups, which forced her to leave the site as quickly as possible to prevent physical attacks by Bolsonaro’s supporters.

Currently, Rousseff resides in Shanghai, because of her responsibilities as head of the BRICS multilateral financial institution. However, she maintains her voter registration in the capital of the state of Minas Gerais.

Her in-person participation in the election reaffirms the commitment of the PT’s historic leaders to popular mobilization and the consolidation of democracy in Brazil.

In the first round, Flavio Bolsonaro received 56.1 million votes, or 47%, while Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, garnered 53.8 million votes, or 45.16%. Abstention totaled 33.5 million, equivalent to 21.08% of registered voters, making this segment of the population the key battleground in the political contest in recent days.

At the closing rally of his campaign in Sao Paulo, Lula da Silva denounced ties between Rio de Janeiro criminal organizations and Flavio Bolsonaro, whom he described as a person “who does not have the political, moral or ethical qualifications to become president.”

teleSUR/ JF

Source: Brasil de Fato – EFE – teleSUR

He highlights massive political demonstrations during the runoff campaign and warns of isolated incidents of political violence.

On Sunday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking reelection, voted in Sao Paulo in the presidential runoff, in which he is competing against far-right Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro.

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“I am going to vote grateful to the Brazilian people. What the people have done for me in these days is so much that there is no way to repay it. It is so much generosity, so much affection and so much love. I will be eternally grateful for the people’s behavior,” he said minutes earlier as he left his home for the polling station.

At 10 a.m. local time, the Workers’ Party leader voted at João Firmino Correia de Araujo School in Sao Bernardo do Campo, a municipality bordering Sao Paulo where he rose to prominence as a union leader in the 1970s and began his political career.

After voting, Lula, who is seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term, highlighted the largest political demonstrations in Brazil in the past 50 years during the runoff campaign.

Mais uma vez, foi o povo brasileiro que me mostrou que nenhum sonho é grande demais quando a gente caminha junto. ❤️🇧🇷

Foram dias incansáveis. Cada caminhada, cada ato e cada passeata foram muito mais do que momentos de campanha. Foram encontros de sonhos que se transformaram em… pic.twitter.com/YdgeTlMzBK

— Lula (@LulaOficial) October 25, 2026

President Lula da Silva’s text reads, “Once again, it was the Brazilian people who showed me that no dream is too big when we walk together. These were tireless days.

Every walk, every event, and every demonstration was much more than just a campaign moment. They were gatherings of dreams that transformed into concrete achievements—such as the end of the 6×1 work schedule.

Every outstretched hand and every smile reminded me why I have dedicated my life to the struggle for the working men and women of this country. We emerge from this journey stronger, more united, and more mobilized to secure a better future.

Thank you, Brazil, for every hug, every tear, every smile, and for never letting go of my hand. There are still many beautiful pages left to be written in our history. Tomorrow, October 25th, we will write another one. Together, for the Brazil we love and for the future our people deserve!“

“What I saw in this runoff was not about a political party or a union. The people took to the streets to defend their achievements,” the Workers’ Party (PT) candidate told reporters after casting his ballot.

The president also warned of isolated incidents of political violence reported in recent hours, including a brick thrown at a PT activist in the city of Montes Claros.

“This is a demonstration of what is at stake,” the progressive leader emphasized and criticized Bolsonaro, referring to him as “a militiaman” and a “morally and ethically unqualified person.”

Lula also said that on Sunday, voters would decide whether the Brazilian flag would be respected or whether to elect a political group that “wants to govern with the American flag.”

Lula, aos 33 anos, liderando junto ao sindicato dos metalúrgicos a greve que desafiou a ditadura militar no Brasil. Ele conquistou aumentos salariais e foi preso. Enquanto isso, a única profissão do Flávio foi ser vag4bundo político. #AposentadosComLula pic.twitter.com/34dsHpqtai

— Taty⭐️🚩 (@tatyestoyaqui) October 24, 2026

The text reads, “At the age of 33, Lula led the metalworkers’ union in a strike that challenged Brazil’s military dictatorship. He secured wage increases and was subsequently imprisoned. Meanwhile, Flavio’s only profession has been that of a political deadbeat.”

The Brazilian president, who will turn 81 next Tuesday, went to vote wearing a white guayabera shirt, accompanied by his wife, Rosangela Lula da Silva; Vice President Geraldo Alckmin; and five other current and former Cabinet ministers.

In the first round, held Oct. 4, Bolsonaro received the most votes, with 47% of the ballots, compared with 45% for Lula. Polling stations will close at 5 p.m., after which vote counting will begin.

The count is expected to be completed within a few hours thanks to Brazil’s electronic voting system, which was introduced three decades ago.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE

More voters are expected to participate in the second round as Lula da Silva faces Flavio Bolsonaro.

On Sunday, thousands of Brazilians went to the polls in Portugal to exercise their right to vote and elect their next president, most of them in Lisbon, the largest Brazilian polling station abroad.

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“The expectation we had seems to be confirmed. Turnout will be much higher in the runoff. We expect around 50% of eligible voters to cast their ballots,” Brazilian Ambassador Raimundo Carreria Silva said.

Brazilians will have to choose their next president between Workers’ Party candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Liberal Party candidate Flavio Bolsonaro.

Supporters of both candidates gathered at the University City of Lisbon, where several buildings were set up as polling stations. The Portuguese capital has 78,833 registered voters eligible to cast ballots in the presidential election.

🇧🇷❗️🇵🇹 Vídeos publicados nas redes mostram concentração na Universidade de Lisboa após abertura das urnas

🇺🇸❓ Embora Portugal seja superado pelos EUA como maior comunidade fora do país, a capital portuguesa representa o maior colégio eleitoral, com ~79 mil eleitores aptos pic.twitter.com/0ay92j793N

— RT Brasil (@rtnoticias_br) October 25, 2026

The text reads, “Videos posted on social media show people gathering at the University of Lisbon following the opening of the polls. While the U.S. surpasses Portugal as a place of residence for the largest community of Brazilians living outside their home country, the Portuguese capital represents the largest overseas electoral district, with approximately 79,000 eligible voters.”

One Brazilian voter in Portugal is Sabine, who traveled from the Azores archipelago to Lisbon specifically to vote after not casting a ballot in the first round.

“I didn’t vote in the first round because I thought Lula was going to win. Since there was a tie, today I felt compelled to come here so we can consolidate our democracy,” she said, expressing confidence that Brazilian President Lula da Silva would be reelected.

In the first round, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva received the most votes, with 14,948 (53.51%) in Lisbon and 10,356 (52.49%) in Porto. Far-right senator Flavio Bolsonaro won in Faro with 1,305 votes (48.88%). On Oct. 6, the abstention rate in Portugal stood at 61.7%.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

About 158.7 million voters are eligible to cast ballots as Lula da Silva faces Flavio Bolsonaro in a closely contested race.

On Sunday, about 158.7 million Brazilians are eligible to vote for their next president in a runoff election between incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro.

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Polling stations will remain open until 5 p.m. and will serve voters who are in line at closing time. The first official presidential election results are expected to be known a few hours later.

In the first round of the presidential election, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote (56.1 million ballots), compared with 45% for Lula (53.8 million votes).

São Paulo, the country’s most populous state, remains Brazil’s largest electoral district, accounting for 21.5% of voters, followed by Minas Gerais (10.3%), Rio de Janeiro (8%), Bahia (7%) and Parana (5.4%).

Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) votou na manhã deste domingo (25), em uma escola em Vila Isabel, na Zona Norte do Rio de Janeiro.
O candidato à Presidência chegou acompanhado da esposa, Fernanda Bolsonaro, de familiares e aliados políticos.

Leia mais: https://t.co/8dP60G3yp5 pic.twitter.com/WUFcGqG2RZ

— Congresso em Foco (@congressoemfoco) October 25, 2026

The text reads, “Flavio Bolsonaro (PL) cast his vote this Sunday morning (25) at a school in Vila Isabel, in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The presidential candidate arrived accompanied by his wife, Fernanda Bolsonaro, as well as family members and political allies.”

Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro Votes in Rio de Janeiro

At 8 a.m. Sunday, Liberal Party presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro voted at a school in the Vila Isabel neighborhood in the northern part of Rio de Janeiro.

“Wearing a bulletproof vest, the candidate arrived at the polling place accompanied by his wife, Fernanda; his mother, Rogeria; and Rio de Janeiro Gov.-elect Douglas Ruas,” news outlet Carta Capital reported.

“The time has come for real change. That was the case in the first round, and it should be the same in the second. Brazil cannot take another four years with things as they are. Everyone’s life has gotten worse; there is no reason to keep insisting on a mistake,” the far-right politician said.

“Rain or shine, let’s leave home and vote. Brazil will change, and Brazil will win,” he added, urging his supporters not to abstain from voting in the presidential runoff.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Carta Capital

About 158.7 million voters are eligible to cast ballots, as polls project a technical tie between the two presidential candidates.

On Sunday, polling stations across Brazil opened on time at 8 a.m. local time for the presidential runoff, in which incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, are vying for the country’s top office.

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About 158.7 million voters were called to the polls on Sunday, when six state governors will also be elected. Polling stations will remain open until 5 p.m. Abstention is expected to decline from the 21.08% recorded in the first round, the highest rate since 1998.

The same hours will apply to polling stations abroad, where about 919,000 people registered to participate in the election, a 32% increase compared with the 2022 elections.

As on Oct. 4, polling stations will serve voters who are in line at closing time. In the first round of the presidential election, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote (56.1 million ballots), compared with the 45.16% won by Lula (53.8 million votes).

Com orgulho, o Partido Socialista Europeu (PES- PSE) está em São Paulo, ao lado de Lula! 🇧🇷❤️
Na véspera das eleições, o nosso Secretário-Geral, @giacomofilibeck , participa desta mobilização em apoio a Lula e ao projeto de um Brasil com mais justiça social, igualdade de gênero e… pic.twitter.com/NMmsfxlSvQ

— PES 🌹🇪🇺 (@PES_PSE) October 24, 2026

The text reads, “The Party of European Socialists (PES) is proud to be in Sao Paulo, standing with Lula! On the eve of the elections, our Secretary-General, Giacomo Filibeck, is taking part in this mobilization in support of Lula and a vision for Brazil that prioritizes greater social justice, gender equality, and environmental protection. We stand together in defense of democracy and in the fight for a fairer, more egalitarian Brazil—a country that offers opportunities for all!”

São Paulo, the country’s most populous state, remains Brazil’s largest electoral district, accounting for 21.5% of voters, followed by Minas Gerais (10.3%), Rio de Janeiro (8%), Bahia (7%) and Parana (5.4%), according to data from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

According to election polls released over the past week, the Workers’ Party leader and the far-right politician are in a technical tie, with a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE

More than 158.7 million Brazilians are eligible to vote as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested runoff.

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Brazilian voters are choosing between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a presidential runoff after neither candidate secured a majority in the first round. More than 158.7 million people are eligible to vote, with polling stations open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, according to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

RELATED: Lula Pledges Universal Full-Day Schooling in Brazil

In the first round on Oct. 4, Bolsonaro, of the Liberal Party (PL), received 47.03% of valid votes, or 56,104,503 ballots, while Lula, of the Workers’ Party (PT), won 45.16%, or 53,879,538 votes, according to official TSE figures. Neither surpassed the 50% threshold needed to win outright.

Voter abstention emerged as a significant factor in the first round, with 33,469,244 people staying away from the polls, representing 21.08% of registered voters. Both campaigns sought to attract those who did not vote, as pre-election polls pointed to a statistical tie.

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The final day of campaigning on Saturday brought closing rallies from both candidates. Speaking in São Paulo, Lula attacked his rival, calling him a “liar,” a “militiaman” and unqualified for the presidency.

“A person like that does not have the political, moral or ethical qualifications to become president of the Republic,” Lula told reporters.

Bolsonaro received backing during the campaign from U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the senator’s first-round result as “a great victory.”

On Oct. 20, Lula framed the election as a choice over Brazil’s national sovereignty, saying voters would decide whether they wanted “a Brazil that kisses the Brazilian flag or one that gets down on all fours before the U.S. flag.”

Voting is compulsory for literate Brazilian citizens aged 18 to 70. It is optional for illiterate citizens, those aged 16 and 17, and people over 70.

Voting abroad

A total of 918,876 Brazilians registered to vote abroad across 134 countries, accounting for about 0.5% of the electorate, according to the TSE. The number represents a 358% increase from 2010.

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A post shared by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (@lulaoficial)

Text Reads: The Brazil we dream of is built together with the people—through struggle and hope! ❤️🇧🇷
Thank you to every Brazilian who stands by our side on this journey. It is this strength that drives us, and this unity that empowers us.
Tomorrow, let’s transform all this energy into the future! Together with the people, we will achieve so much more, secure new rights, and continue building a Brazil that is even fairer for everyone. Let’s do this together. Vote 13—vote for Brazil.

Overseas voters cast their ballots in person in 186 cities and can vote only for president and vice president. Women account for 57% of registered overseas voters and men for 43%, while the largest age group is between 40 and 44.

The United States has the largest number of registered Brazilian voters abroad, with 265,400, followed by Portugal with 134,700, Japan with 88,300, Canada with 46,400 and Germany with 41,500.

Other contests

Sunday’s elections also include gubernatorial runoffs in Acre, Amazonas, Rio Grande do Norte, Espírito Santo and Tocantins, as well as the Federal District. None of the candidates in those contests secured more than 50% of valid votes in the first round.

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Several municipalities are also electing mayors. In Chopinzinho and São João, both in the state of Paraná, voters are taking part in a referendum on changing the territorial boundaries between the two municipalities.

The runoff will determine whether Lula remains president or Bolsonaro takes office, concluding a campaign shaped by a narrow first-round margin, high abstention and competing appeals over Brazil’s political future and national sovereignty.

Nearly 159 million voters are expected to cast ballots in a closely contested election, with polls showing the two candidates tied.

On Sunday, Oct. 25, Brazil will decide its future in the presidential runoff election, pitting President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva against far-right Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro.

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Lula Pledges Universal Full-Day Schooling in Brazil

Nearly 159 million Brazilians are eligible to elect their next president, who will take office on Jan. 5, 2027. Polling stations will be open for nine hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. Results will be known on Sunday, thanks to the country’s efficient electronic voting system.

The eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro enters the runoff with an advantage after receiving the most votes in the first round on Oct. 4, winning 47% of the vote, two percentage points more than the progressive leader. However, polls conducted in recent days have shown an upward trend for the Workers’ Party leader, who, at 80, is seeking his fourth nonconsecutive term.

According to the latest poll, released Thursday by polling firm Datafolha, the two candidates are tied at 50% of the valid votes. The outcome of the race is shaping up to be extremely close, even more so than in 2022, when Lula defeated Jair Bolsonaro by just over 2 million votes.

The leftist leader faces the difficult challenge of winning the election after finishing second in the first round. In the nine presidential elections held since the end of the military dictatorship (1964-1985), no one has managed such a feat. To make history, Lula will have to overcome the 2.2 million-vote gap separating him from Bolsonaro after the first round.

“I would like to ask for your vote because either we keep democracy functioning or we will have a militiaman governing this country,” Lula said on Friday night during the final televised debate before the runoff.

Este es Lula liderando con el sindicato del metal a los 33 años la huelga que desafió a la dictadura militar en Brasil. Logró aumentos salariales y fue encarcelado. Mientras, la única profesión del ultraderechista Flávio Bolsonaro ha sido la de político desde que tiene 21 años. pic.twitter.com/pp7YHexIqf

— Fonsi Loaiza (@FonsiLoaiza) October 23, 2026

The text reads, “Here is Lula, at age 33, leading the metalworkers’ union in a strike that defied Brazil’s military dictatorship. He secured wage increases and was subsequently imprisoned. Meanwhile, the far-right figure Flávio Bolsonaro has had only one profession—that of a politician—since the age of 21.”

Lula Changes Strategy

Over the past three weeks, Lula has radically shifted his campaign strategy. He has immersed himself in social media and energized his supporters with massive rallies in cities such as Belo Horizonte and Sao Paulo.

He has also stepped up announcements from the presidency: he obtained congressional approval for the reduction of the workweek, forgave the debts of millions of self-employed workers, and introduced incentive measures for the video game industry.

Lula also sent Parliament a proposal to make public transportation free on weekends and holidays in the country’s nearly 6,000 municipalities.

In recent weeks, the far-right Liberal Party (PL) senator has been significantly affected by the possible consequences of his own proposals. Among them is his intention to cut public spending by US$40 billion, although Flavio insists he does not intend to take a single cent from the most vulnerable.

In recent days, the Brazilian press has also revealed new suspicions about Flavio’s involvement in a money-laundering scheme linked to online betting.

📊 PESQUISA DATA FOLHA – NACIONAL
✅ VOTOS VÁLIDOS | 2º TURNO

🔴 Lula (PT): 50% (+1) ⬆️
🔵 Flávio Bolsonaro (PL): 50% (-1) ⬇️

CONTINUEM EMPENHADOS VIRANDO VOTOS PRO LULA, AGORA É GUERRA! pic.twitter.com/vEqZ2Yp3Le

— Nordeste é 13 (@thiegocomenta) October 22, 2026

The text reads: “Datafolha poll – valid votes nationwide | Runoff. Lula (Workers’ Party): 50% (+1). Flavio Bolsonaro (Liberal Party): 50% (-1). Keep working hard to secure votes for Lula—it’s all-out war now!”

Zuckerberg’s Meta Under Scrutiny for Aiding the Far Right

The 2026 presidential campaign has become embroiled in legal disputes on an unprecedented scale. The Superior Electoral Court has received more than 800 complaints throughout the election campaign.

One of those disputes has centered on the controversial conduct of Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

Lula’s supporters have requested the annulment of Bolsonaro’s candidacy over alleged interference by Mark Zuckerberg’s company, which they accuse of favoring the circulation of far-right content while restricting progressive content.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

Brazilian president mobilizes supporters online ahead of Sunday’s runoff, as a new poll shows the two candidates tied at 50%.

On Thursday, Brazilian President and reelection candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on the country’s young and elderly people to “defeat” opposition Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro to build a society that “distributes books and culture, not weapons and hate.”

RELATED:

Datafolha Poll Shows Lula and Bolsonaro Tied at 50% Ahead of Runoff

“Our army is much bigger, full of enthusiasm and heart, where nobody wants to kill anybody,” said the Workers’ Party (PT) candidate during his first digital event of this kind.

Lula spent an hour and a half participating in a livestream on social media alongside lawmaker Andre Janones, who created a public WhatsApp channel in support of the progressive leader called “Lula’s Army.” The channel has already attracted 8.5 million users ahead of Sunday’s presidential runoff.

Shortly before the digital event, polling firm Datafolha released a survey showing both candidates tied at 50% of the valid vote, three days before voters head to the polls.

🚨 PESSOAL, URGENTE!!!

Preparados pra ver a história acontecendo AO VIVO diante dos olhos?!

Vamos encerrar a campanha mais importante da história do Brasil!

Um ato que ficará para sempre marcado na memória das lutas do povo brasileiro! 🇧🇷

É sábado, dia 24, às 14h, na Av.… pic.twitter.com/aslsI3WZPw

— Lula (@LulaOficial) October 22, 2026

The text reads, “Folks, urgent!!! Are you ready to watch history unfold live before your very eyes?! We are bringing the most important campaign in the history of Brazil to a close! It will be an event that remains forever etched in the memory of the Brazilian people’s struggles! Join us this Saturday, the 24th, at 2:00 pm, on Avenida Paulista, in Sao Paulo!”

In the first round of the election, the eldest son of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro won 47% of the vote, two percentage points more than Lula, who appears to have drawn even in the final days of the campaign.

Part of the Brazilian president’s strategy has involved mobilizing his supporters in the streets and on social media, with an emphasis on young people and those over 70. The latter are exempt from voting in a country where voting is mandatory.

Introduced as “Marshal Lula,” the Workers’ Party leader acknowledged feeling “like a fish out of water” during his first livestream, where he listened to accounts from young and elderly people.

“I have to talk with my army; we have a great battle ahead of us,” Lula said, adding that his candidacy represents “democracy,” “the fight against femicide” and a “life focused on health, culture” and education.

Estas eleições serão um divisor de águas para o Brasil. É hora de transformar essa esperança e mobilização das ruas em mais participação e compromissos.

Seguiremos firmes na luta por um país mais justo, com oportunidades para todos e políticas voltadas às necessidades da… pic.twitter.com/TzOkr47RH8

— Lula (@LulaOficial) October 23, 2026

Lula da SIlva’s text reads, “These elections will be a watershed moment for Brazil. It is time to transform this hope and the mobilization seen in the streets into greater participation and concrete commitments. We will remain steadfast in the fight for a fairer country—one with opportunities for all and policies geared toward the needs of the population. Our ‘army’ consists of more than just soldiers; it is driven by reason, motivation, and a cause. And our cause is the best in the world, because it is the Brazilian people. Let us work together to secure another victory!”

“Our army fights to build a harmonious, loving society that builds rather than destroys, that distributes books and culture, not weapons and hate,” said the Workers’ Party leader, who also referred to Sunday’s runoff election as a “war.”

“Brazil cannot fall into the hands of a militiaman,” Lula said, alluding to the Bolsonaro family’s ties to relatives of members of paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro.

Lula also recalled that Flavio Bolsonaro had served as the lawyer for a police officer accused of killing a 5-year-old girl during an operation against suspected drug traffickers.

The Workers’ Party also urged those who abstained from voting — who accounted for 21% of voters in the first round, or about 33.5 million Brazilians — to vote for Lula on Sunday.

“You who did not go to vote because you didn’t like the candidates or because you are over 70, that is your right; but not now. Now you have to think about Brazil, about your homeland,” he said.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

A new Quaest poll shows the far-right senator with 45% of voter support and the progressive president with 44%.

On Wednesday, polling firm Quaest revealed that Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro’s lead over President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in voting intentions for Brazil’s presidential runoff had narrowed from 2 points last week to just 1 point.

RELATED:

Lula Offers to Lift Bank Secrecy as Bolsonaro’s Wealth Faces Scrutiny

If the election were held today, the far-right candidate, who received the most votes in the first round, would receive 45% of the vote, while the progressive president would garner 44%, indicating that the two remain statistically tied because the poll has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

In the poll conducted last week by the same firm, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) had 46% of voter support, a decline of 1 point, while Lula, who is seeking reelection and a fourth nonconsecutive term, had 44%, unchanged from the previous survey.

The new poll, released just four days before the runoff scheduled for Oct. 25, confirmed that the presidential election ranks among Brazil’s most polarized, with the country still divided between the progressivism led by Lula and the far-right politics of the Bolsonaro clan.

Quaest: Lula amplia vantagem entre beneficiários do Bolsa Família. O candidato à reeleição aumentou de 60% para 62%. Ao mesmo tempo, Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) caiu de 31% para 27%.

➡️ #GloboNewsRadar – de segunda a sexta, às 8h30, na #GloboNews. Assista na TV e no Globoplay pic.twitter.com/43AKlyZnCE

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The text reads, “Quaest: Lula expands his lead among Bolsa Família beneficiaries. The candidate seeking reelection rose from 60% to 62%. At the same time, Flavio Bolsonaro (PL) fell from 31% to 27%.”

According to Quaest, which interviewed 2,154 voters between Saturday and Tuesday, the percentage of undecided voters rose from 1% to 2% over the past week, while the percentage of those intending to cast blank ballots or invalidate their votes remained at 9%.

The new poll was conducted after the candidates’ first televised debate on Oct. 18 and after the Brazilian president announced new measures. In addition to the reduction of the workweek from 44 to 40 hours, with two days off and no reduction in pay, Lula announced in recent days a measure to forgive microentrepreneurs’ debts and a bill to provide free bus transportation on weekends.

Bolsonaro received the most votes in the first round of the presidential election, with 47.03%, while Lula finished second with 45.16%, leaving a gap of less than 2 percentage points between them.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE