Key Facts

• Brazil’s presidential election has two rounds, with the first round starting on Sunday.
• Incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is running against Flavio Bolsonaro.
• Polls suggest Lula may win the first round, but the second round outcome is uncertain.
• The final presidential debate was canceled because both main candidates withdrew.
• The debate was canceled partly due to rules about empty chairs for absent candidates and participation of some candidates from Lula’s party.
• The electoral campaign has been bitter and contentious.
• International observers have been sent to Brazil to monitor the election process.
• Some Brazilian media criticized interference by the Supreme Electoral Court in the debate arrangements.