Brazilian Presidential Election Goes to a Runoff

The first round of Brazil's presidential election, with the participation of approximately 159 million voters, has concluded. As no candidate surpassed 50%, the election has advanced to a runoff.

First Round Results

The first round of the presidential election in Brazil, where approximately 159 million voters went to the polls, has been completed with over 98 percent of the ballots counted. Flávio Bolsonaro received 47.3 percent of the vote, while incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured 44.8 percent.

Runoff Schedule

Since no candidate received more than 50 percent of the valid votes, the election is headed to a runoff, which has been announced to take place on October 25, 2026. According to the Brazilian electoral system, if no candidate exceeds 50 percent in the first round, the top two candidates compete against each other.

Candidate Profiles

Flávio Bolsonaro, a 45-year-old senator from the Liberal Party, is the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. His campaign promised reductions in public spending and tough policies against crime. Eighty-year-old Lula is running for a fourth term.

Election Agenda and the Future Term

Throughout the election campaign, the economy, cost of living, and the fight against crime emerged as prominent topics. The candidate who secures more valid votes in the runoff will become Brazil's president for the new term starting on January 5, 2027.