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Right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a runoff after Brazil’s first-round presidential election. With nearly all ballots counted, Bolsonaro had 47% of the vote and Lula 45%.
Reuters reported that the stronger-than-expected result could boost Bolsonaro’s campaign and support Brazil’s currency and stock market, which have risen amid perceptions that he would be more favorable to business.
Candidates prepare for runoff
Bolsonaro told journalists in Brasilia that he was pleased with the results and described them as “the end of the Workers’ Party era under Lula.” He is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison on charges of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election.
Flavio Bolsonaro and Lula will face off in the runoff on Oct. 25. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive presidential term.
Claims of foreign interference under investigation
Brazilian officials have opened an investigation into claims of foreign interference in the election. Federal Police Director-General Andrey Rodrigues said the probe was launched following a request from the prosecutor general’s office.
The investigation concerns claims that foreign funding may have been used to influence political debate in Brazil and target key state institutions. The request reportedly followed allegations published by The Guardian. According to those allegations, funds linked to the United States were directed to organizations and networks operating in Brazil. Prosecutors are examining whether the money was used to influence the country’s political environment or undermine confidence in state institutions.
Rodrigues said the case had been referred to the Federal Police intelligence unit for analysis, and that measures to protect the integrity of the 2026 election process were continuing.
Voting largely peaceful
Brazilians voted on Oct. 4 to elect a president, governors, senators and members of Congress. Polling stations opened in the morning and operated throughout the day. Officials said voting was orderly, apart from isolated incidents.
The Federal Police said dozens of people had been detained over suspected violations of election law, including vote-buying. Electronic voting machines experienced technical problems in some areas; in several cases, faulty machines were replaced with backup equipment to avoid disrupting the process. The Organization of American States’ election observation mission said voting had taken place with appropriate security measures in place.
