Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro ended their campaigns Saturday ahead of Sunday’s closely contested first-round election, with polls indicating that neither is likely to win outright and that a runoff may follow.
Lula held his final event in São Paulo, traveling through the city on a campaign truck as supporters dressed in the red colors of his Workers’ Party gathered behind him. The 80-year-old president said he expected victory in the first round and framed the election as a struggle between democracy and the far right. Bolsonaro, a 45-year-old senator and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, led a motorcycle caravan through São Paulo state before appearing at a rally in Rio de Janeiro.
He also predicted that his campaign could prevail immediately, while emphasizing public security and economic concerns. Recent polling showed Lula maintaining a lead, but with that advantage narrowing and the two candidates effectively tied in projections for a possible Oct. 25 runoff. The campaign has also been marked by attacks over living costs, foreign influence and an investigation involving financing for a film about Jair Bolsonaro.
Voters will choose among several candidates Sunday, but the contest between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro has dominated the final stretch.