Brazil votes in runoff between Lula and Bolsonaro

Brazil’s presidential runoff on October 25 pits incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, with the candidates offering contrasting economic and security programs. The reports do not establish the result of the vote. Nearly 160 million Brazilians are eligible to vote. The runoff follows an October 4 first round in which Bolsonaro received 47.03% of valid votes and Lula 45.16%, according to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court. The winner is due to begin a four-year term in January 2027. Lula’s campaign emphasizes social programs and public investment, including cash transfers and housing support. He has argued that public programs can address income inequality while contributing to economic growth. His record as president and plans to continue social spending are central to his appeal. Bolsonaro has stressed fiscal restraint, government efficiency and tougher security measures. His reported proposals include classifying major gangs and militias as narcoterrorist groups, expanding prison capacity and increasing surveillance cameras and facial recognition. He has also pledged to pardon his father, Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for...