Right-wing Flávio Bolsonaro wins first round of Brazil election, setting runoff with Lula

Flávio Bolsonaro has won the first round of Brazil presidential election, beating incumbent President Lula da Silva but falling short of an outright majority, with a runoff set for 25 October. On Sunday, almost all votes counted, Bolsonaro held 47% to Lula's 45%, per BBC News. The result exceeded expectations for the son of Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for masterminding a failed coup after losing the 2022 election. Bolsonaro Liberal Party (PL) also took the most governors, senators and federal deputies, suggesting it will hold the greatest influence in Congress. The majority of Latin America has now elected right-wing presidents aligned to the Trump administration; the runoff will decide whether Brazil, the region largest country and economy, follows. Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth term, after being elected in 2002, 2006 and a later non-consecutive term in 2022 — an election he won by less than 2%, the closest in Brazilian history. After voting, he warned the choice lay between democracy and barbarism, though he called Sunday outcome unexpected and insisted the race had not ended. "The game is about to start. We are in extra time. In extra time, we will win over the Brazilian people," he said. Key campaign issues included corruption, crime and the economy. A scandal involving jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro embroiled figures across the political spectrum, and Lula accused the US of trying to interfere in the vote; the president of the superior electoral court said Sunday no evidence of international interference was found. Bolsonaro pledged to designate Brazilian gangs as terrorists and to grant his father amnesty if elected. His wife Michelle won a Senate seat. The runoff will also clarify Brazil direction on security and its relationship with Washington, where Bolsonaro successfully lobbied to designate the two biggest Brazilian gangs as terrorist organizations. Source: [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck1l34ed592no)