Brazilians head to polls in high-stakes, polarized election
EWZ•Brazilians vote in a presidential election in which Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro are polling roughly even in a likely October 25 runoff. Voters will also elect all 513 lower house members and two-thirds of the Senate.
1. Presidential race
Lula is seeking a fourth term, while Senator Flavio Bolsonaro hopes to return his father Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing movement to power. If no candidate wins more than 50% of valid votes, the top two will face off on October 25; surveys show Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro polling roughly even in a likely runoff.
2. Economic concerns
The campaign has focused on corruption, economic anxiety and crime, with voters facing high living costs and household debt. Public debt is above 82% of GDP, and the government lowered growth forecasts to 2.0% for this year and 2.3% next year.
3. Legislative elections
Voters will elect all 513 lower house members and two-thirds of the Senate. Congress has gained greater influence in Brazilian politics since the 2016 impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff.
