Flavio Bolsonaro beats expectations in Brazil presidential vote, faces Lula in runoff
EWZ•Senator Flavio Bolsonaro won about 47% of valid votes in Brazil’s first-round presidential election, ahead of Lula’s 44.9% with nearly 99% of votes reported. They will face each other in a runoff on October 25.
1. Runoff vote
Flavio Bolsonaro will face President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazil’s presidential runoff on October 25, after winning about 47% of valid votes in Sunday’s first round. Lula received 44.9%, with nearly 99% of votes reported; private surveys had forecast Lula leading by about three percentage points.
2. Campaign concerns
The campaign focused on the cost of living, corruption and insecurity. Bolsonaro said he was counting on protest votes from people opposed to Lula, while voters interviewed in the article cited concerns including living costs and Brazil’s direction.
3. Economic pressures
Brazil’s next government faces public debt above 82% of GDP and a weak growth outlook. The government lowered its growth forecasts for this year and next to 2.0% and 2.3%, respectively.
