Brazil holds its breath: Bolsonaro's son opens dramatic lead

After counting approximately 32% of the votes in Brazil's presidential election, Flavio Bolsonaro leads with 50.74% against Lula's 41.14%. The gap stems from a quick count in Bolsonaro's strongholds in the south, while in the northeast, Lula's stronghold, the count is slower. If no candidate crosses 50%, a second round will be held on October 25.

Brazil holds its breath: after counting approximately 32% of the votes in the presidential election, Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has opened a dramatic lead over Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro leads with 50.74% of valid votes, while Lula, the 80-year-old leftist leader, receives 41.14%. However, this is an early snapshot: southern states, Bolsonaro's strongholds, reported results quickly, while the count in the northeast, Lula's stronghold, is slower. There are 13 candidates in the race, but only two stand out. To avoid a runoff, a candidate must win more than 50% of the vote. If not, the second round will take place on October 25. Pre-election polls indicated a tight race. The campaign was marked by a lack of detailed discussion on economic issues, and both candidates were absent from major televised debates.