Brazil votes in a tense Lula vs. Bolsonaro runoff with U.S. influence over Latin America at stake
Summary
Brazilian voters went to the polls on Oct. 25 for a closely contested presidential runoff between incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. The result could shift Brazil’s political direction and affect U.S. influence in Latin America; polls had shown the candidates neck and neck.Key Facts
- The runoff required a candidate to win more than 50% of the vote.
- Flávio Bolsonaro led Lula by more than 2.2 million votes in the first round earlier that month.
- More than 33 million of nearly 160 million eligible voters did not vote in the first round, despite compulsory voting.
- The candidates campaigned on different approaches to U.S.-Brazil relations, climate change, social welfare, security and living costs.
- Bolsonaro pledged to reduce food costs and take a tough approach to crime; Lula promoted debt relief for small businesses and free weekend public transportation.
- Bolsonaro is under investigation over money he accepted from former banker Daniel Vorcaro to produce a film about his father.
- The next president will appoint at least three of Brazil’s 11 Supreme Court justices as vacancies arise.
- Bolsonaro pledged to seek amnesty for his father, Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest for attempting a coup.
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