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

After counting approximately 32% of the votes in Brazil's presidential election, Flavio Bolsonaro leads with 50.74% compared to 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, counting is slower. If no candidate crosses 50%, a runoff will be held on October 25.

Brazil holds its breath: after counting approximately 32% of the votes in the presidential election, Flavio Bolsonaro, the 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 counting 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 the main televised debates.