Brazil chooses president in closely fought election
Almost 159 million voters choose between incumbent president Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro.
Follow-up to: Brazilians choose between Lula and Bolsonaro tomorrow Saturday, 3 October 2026, 17:01
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Polling stations opened in Brazil on Sunday for the presidential election and several other elections. The contest centres mainly on incumbent president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
According to the electoral authorities, almost 159 million Brazilians are eligible to vote. On Sunday, voters are choosing not only a president, but also governors, senators and members of the federal and state legislatures. The result will therefore determine more than just who leads the country.
Lula, who is taking part in his seventh presidential election, faces Flávio Bolsonaro. He is a senator and is regarded as the candidate of the right. According to AP, both candidates have a chance of winning in the first round, but polls offer no certainty about the final result.
A candidate must win more than half of the valid votes to win outright. If that does not happen, a second round between the two candidates with the most votes will take place on 25 October. That rule makes Sunday’s result important even if neither candidate immediately secures a majority.
The election is taking place in a deeply polarised country. For many voters, Lula represents the return of social-democratic government and an active role for the state. Flávio Bolsonaro stands for a right-wing course and maintains close political ties with US president Donald Trump.
The stakes go beyond domestic party politics. Brazil is Latin America’s largest economy, a major agricultural producer and an influential voice on climate and trade issues. In recent years, Lula has strengthened ties with China; a right-wing government could place different emphasis on foreign policy and the economy.
Brazil’s electronic voting machine is once again at the centre of public debate. During voting, electors in Rio de Janeiro told AP that they trusted the system and its rapid processing of the results. That is an observation by those electors, not an independent audit of the electoral process.
The first official results are expected after the polling stations close. Until then, statements by candidates, exit polls and preliminary figures are not the same as a definitive result. For Dutch readers, the main point is that the election could affect the direction of a large country on agriculture, trade and climate.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Brazil is holding presidential elections on 4 October and is also electing MPs and governors.
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro are important candidates.
- If no candidate secures a majority, a second round will take place on 25 October.
Left
Arguments Emphasises public investment, social programmes, worker protection and an active climate and Amazon policy. Lula’s course is seen as a way to reduce inequality and reposition Brazil internationally.
Values Social equality, public services, environmental protection and multilateral cooperation.
Consequences Higher government spending could improve social outcomes, but critics say it could put pressure on the budget and inflation.
Centre
Arguments Seeks administrative continuity with room for reform, budgetary discipline and cooperation with China, the United States and European partners alike. The institutional reliability of the elections comes first.
Values Stability, practicality, the rule of law and economic predictability.
Consequences A moderate course could support investment and international cooperation, but could disappoint voters seeking more far-reaching change.
Right
Arguments Emphasises lower taxes, security, economic freedom and a more limited role for the state. Flávio Bolsonaro’s supporters see a right-wing government as a counterweight to the influence of the left and as an opportunity for closer ties with Trump and conservative governments.
Values Individual freedom, national sovereignty, order and enterprise.
Consequences A right-wing course could give businesses more room to operate, but could put social protection and environmental policy under pressure and deepen polarisation.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
Election day and the institutional rules have been confirmed by Agência Brasil, the TSE and AP. The political interpretation is presented as context, and the text does not claim a provisional winner.
- confirmed Almost 159 million Brazilians are allowed to vote. — Agência Brasil cites approximately 158.7 million voters. source
- confirmed Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro are registered presidential candidates. — The TSE candidate list names both of them. source
- confirmed If no one wins more than half of the valid votes, a second round will take place on 25 October. — The electoral rules and date are described by AP and in public election information. source
Editor's note
Election day, the number of eligible voters, the candidates and the possible second round have been confirmed by the Brazilian electoral authorities and AP. There is no definitive result yet at the time of publication.Sources
- The Latest: Brazilians vote in presidential election dominated by Lula and Bolsonaro — Associated Press
- Cerca de 158,7 milhões de eleitores vão às urnas em todo o país — Agência Brasil
- Candidaturas 2026 — Tribunal Superior Eleitoral
The story so far
- Saturday, 3 October 2026, 17:01 Brazilians choose between Lula and Bolsonaro tomorrow
- Sunday, 4 October 2026, 18:59 Brazil chooses president in closely fought election (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- NOS — „brazilië verkiezingen”
- Het Parool — „brazilië verkiezingen”
- Trouw — „brazilië verkiezingen”