Flávio Bolsonaro leads Lula into Brazil runoff

Flávio Bolsonaro finished ahead of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil’s October 4 presidential election, winning about 47% of the vote to Lula’s 45%. Neither secured a majority, and the two candidates will face each other in a runoff on October 25, according to reported results. The first-round outcome puts Bolsonaro, a senator and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, in the lead as both campaigns seek to broaden their support. Lula’s campaign is working to mobilize people who did not vote and attract supporters of candidates eliminated in the first round. Lula also urged supporters to take to the streets and increased his presence on social media, while his campaign planned to give more space to younger politicians and left-wing influencers. Flávio Bolsonaro has defended constitutional amendments addressing judicial reform, the age of criminal responsibility and tax reform. He has said the changes would help redemocratize Brazil. The runoff will determine the country’s next president, who will serve a four-year term. The vote also delivered gains to Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party, known as the PL, in Congress.