APTOPIX Brazil Election
A security officer places a hat on President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as he leaves after voting during general elections amid a crowd in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, and Brazil’s veteran President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will face off in a runoff for the top job of Latin America’s powerhouse economy. The country’s electoral court in Brasilia said neither the 80-year-old incumbent, seeking his fourth non-consecutive term, nor the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro would garner a majority in Sunday's first round of voting. The runoff election will be held on Oct. 25. The next presidential term begins Jan. 5.
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.
