Understand
Brazil's general election features tight contest between incumbent Lula and right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro
Overview
Brazilians are voting in a general election with incumbent left-wing president Luíz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro leading in the polls. Flávio Bolsonaro is the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a prison sentence for plotting a coup. The campaign has been shaped by key policy divides, international relations including ties with the US, and a late corruption scandal involving a jailed banker that has impacted both major camps.
Key points
- Incumbent Luíz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro are the front-runners in Brazil's general election, both hovering around 40% in the polls.
- Former president Jair Bolsonaro is barred from running and serving a prison sentence for plotting a coup, but his son Flávio is running in his political footsteps with the Liberal Party.
- Lula, 80, is seeking another term after previously serving three times, highlighting his work reducing poverty and curbing deforestation, though facing criticism over offshore oil exploration plans.
- Flávio Bolsonaro, a 45-year-old senator, advocates a tough-on-crime platform, looser gun laws, and closer alignment with the US.
- A major political scandal involving jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro has pushed corruption to the fore, affecting both Flávio Bolsonaro and links to a Supreme Court justice associated with Lula's administration.