Brazil is voting in a presidential runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro.
Why it matters: The vote will determine Brazil's next president after a first round decided by less than two percentage points. The outcome could reshape the country's domestic and foreign-policy direction.
- The runoff is being held on October 25, 2026, between Workers' Party candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Liberal Party Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
- In the October 4 first round, Flávio Bolsonaro won 47.03% of valid votes and Lula won 45.16%, according to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court.
- Flávio Bolsonaro led Lula by 1.87 percentage points of valid votes in the first round.
- The official tally was unavailable in this pre-close update on October 25, 2026, before the scheduled 5 p.m. Brasília polling close.
The contest: Brazilian voters are choosing between Workers' Party candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Liberal Party Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a presidential runoff. Deutsche Welle described the contest as a choice between Lula's left-of-center coalition and a right-wing restoration led by the Bolsonaro family.
The runoff follows the October 4 first round. Brazil's Superior Electoral Court recorded 47.03% of valid votes for Flávio Bolsonaro and 45.16% for Lula. Bolsonaro's lead was 1.87 percentage points, but neither candidate exceeded 50% of valid votes, requiring a second round.
Lula is seeking a fourth, nonconsecutive presidential term. Flávio Bolsonaro is a senator and Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son.
Status: As of this pre-close update on October 25, 2026, before the scheduled 5 p.m. Brasília polling close, the official tally was not yet available. The result will follow electronic tabulation and certification.
By the numbers
- 47.03% - Flávio Bolsonaro's share of valid votes in the October 4 first round
- 45.16% - Lula's share of valid votes in the October 4 first round
- 1.87 percentage points - Flávio Bolsonaro's first-round lead over Lula
Yes, but: The first-round percentages were based on valid votes, not all ballots cast, and neither candidate reached a majority.
What's next: Brazil's electronic vote tabulation and certification will determine the official runoff result.