AP
APTOPIX Brazil Election
Soldiers guard Leblon beach during general elections in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Polls have closed in Brazil in a pivotal presidential election featuring incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro. Preelection polls suggest both have a chance of an outright victory. A runoff will occur on Oct. 25 if neither secures a majority. Polls closed at 5 p.m. Brasilia time, and nearly 159 million Brazilians were eligible to vote in this crucial showdown for Latin America’s powerhouse economy. Bolsonaro is an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump and the son of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro who Lula defeated four years ago. The election could significantly impact Brazil's future direction.
