Poll Shows Lula, Bolsonaro Tied in Runoff

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro faced off in a combative but measured final televised debate on Friday, two days before the closely contested Oct. 25 presidential runoff; polls showed a dead heat or Bolsonaro narrowly ahead within the margin of error. They clashed over the economy, spending, infrastructure, crime and the cost of living, with Lula criticizing Bolsonaro’s experience and proposed spending cuts, while Bolsonaro faulted Lula’s government on security and affordability and apologized twice, including for mocking Lula’s missing finger. The race pits Lula’s social programs and left-wing agenda against Bolsonaro’s fiscal-cut and tough-on-crime promises, as voters weigh hardship and insecurity. Lula’s campaign and supporters have accused Meta of suppressing his content and favoring Bolsonaro through its platforms and AI tools; Meta denies political favoritism and says some restrictions resulted from errors. Nonprofit Ekō alleged that Instagram recommended substantially more pro-Bolsonaro than pro-Lula content to a test account, while Meta said its algorithms treat the candidates equally; Brazilian electoral authorities ordered the company to ensure equal treatment. U.S. lawmakers, including Bernie Sanders and Pramila Jayapal, have asked Meta to explain its conduct and whether independent auditors can examine its internal data.