Poll Shows Lula, Bolsonaro Tied in Runoff

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won an unprecedented fourth term, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro with about 51.8% of the runoff vote after trailing in the first round. The victory followed a combative final debate in which the candidates clashed over the economy, spending, crime and the cost of living; Bolsonaro also apologized for mocking Lula’s missing finger. Lula’s comeback was driven in part by stronger turnout and appeals around economic pressures and social programs, while the result blocked the Bolsonaro family’s return to power and kept Brazil under left-wing leadership. His new term is likely to face constraints from a divided electorate and a conservative-leaning Congress. Before the runoff, Lula’s campaign and supporters accused Meta of suppressing his content and favoring Bolsonaro; Meta denied political favoritism, and Brazilian electoral authorities ordered the company to ensure equal treatment.