The presidential competition in Brazil between Bolsonaro and Lula has subsided in an expected second round

As expected, the competition for the position of president was limited to Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, an ally of US President Donald Trump, and veteran President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in the presidential elections in Brazil.

Contrary to opinion polls, right-wing Senator Bolsonaro topped the first round of the presidential elections that took place on Sunday (October 4th), obtaining 56 million votes, compared to 53.7 votes in favor of current President Lula da Silva, according to the official results announced by the Brazilian Electoral Court in Brasilia after counting 99.8 percent of the votes.

If he wins, it will be the latest shift to the right in Latin America. Flavio was not widely known before his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, pushed him into the race. The latter is subject to house arrest after he was sentenced to 27 years in prison for trying to cling to power following his defeat to Lula in the 2022 elections. The son promised to pardon his father if he was appointed president of the country. While Jair Bolsonaro's wife, in turn, won a seat in the Senate in these elections.

The decision was postponed until about three weeks later, as the second round will be held on the 25th of this month.

Lula warned: Brazil's sovereignty is at stake

Veteran leftist politician Lula described the elections as a battle between democracy and "barbarism," warning voters that Brazil's sovereignty was at stake in the face of American pressure.

If the latter wins, the country is expected to maintain its distance from the United States and continue to deepen its relationship with China. While his rival, Bolsonaro, promises to restore “warmth” to relations with Washington, as was the case during his father’s era. US President Donald Trump did not officially announce his support for any candidate, but he hosted Bolsonaro's son at the White House and praised him publicly.