Presidential elections in Brazil have begun

The presidential election has begun in Brazil against the backdrop of political polarization and persistent violent crime. Around 159 million eligible voters are called upon to decide the political future of Latin America's largest country. The polling stations will be open until 5 p.m. (local time/10 p.m. CEST), and the first preliminary results are expected on Monday night in Germany.

The left-wing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, are close together in the polls. Lula is running for a fourth term in office at the age of 80. Flávio Bolsonaro is running for president for the first time.

“I am more than ready to lead this country and give Brazilian families back the right to dream again,” said Flávio Bolsonaro after casting his vote in Rio de Janeiro. His father was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for an attempted coup. He is currently serving his sentence under house arrest for health reasons.

Since neither Lula nor Flávio Bolsonaro achieved the absolute majority necessary for victory in the polls, there are many signs that there will be a runoff election on October 25th. There are ten other candidates running, but they are well behind the two favorites in the polls.

What topics were the election campaign about?

Flávio Bolsonaro from the right-wing Liberal Party (PL) stands for a reduction in state services and a tougher approach to crime. Lula from the left-wing Workers' Party (PT) wants to continue his government course with social programs, public investments and a stronger role for the state.

In addition to the fight against crime, the election campaign was also dominated by the dispute over the independence of the Supreme Court and the relationship with the USA.

In addition to the president and vice president, two thirds of the 81 seats in the Senate and all 513 members of the Chamber of Deputies are elected. The governors of the 26 states and the federal district as well as the members of the state parliaments are also up for election.