Bolsonaro leads Lula as Brazil election goes to run-off

Brazilian senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of the far-right former leader Jair Bolsonaro, finished ahead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazil's election, which will go to a run-off in three weeks.

In a surprise result that defied opinion poll projections showing Mr Lula in the lead, Flavio Bolsonaro received around 47% of the vote to the incumbent's 45%.

If Mr Bolsonaro wins in the 25 October election, Brazil will be the latest country to swing to the right in Latin America, a trend championed by US President Donald Trump.

The election also included a series of significant wins for the right in parliament, a setback for Mr Lula, who at 80 is seeking a fourth term in office to cement his legacy.

Mr Lula branded the vote a battle between democracy and "barbarism", warning voters that Brazil's sovereignty was at stake in the face of US pressure.

Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, had a relatively low national profile before receiving the backing of his jailed father, and had not previously indicated that he intended to pursue the presidency.

Mr Lula said his first-round election setback was "unexpected", but vowed to come back stronger in the run-off in three weeks.

"I admit I was convinced I would win in the first round. The game is about to start. We are in extra time. In extra time, we will win over the Brazilian people," the 80-year-old said.

Bolsonaro dynasty

It emerged during the campaign that Flavio Bolsonaro was under investigation for corruption over the financing of the biopic "Dark Horse" about his father.

The move was bankrolled by jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro, who is under investigation in connection with a financial scandal.

For many voters, this did little to change their views.

"Things are truly terrible. As far as I'm concerned, the left just doesn't work anymore," said tech worker Joao Batista, 36, adding that he was fed up with the "horrible" expense of basic goods.

The investigation also led to a rare public clash in the Supreme Court, which experts said had damaged Mr Lula's campaign.

Some voters were unenthusiastic with the familiar choice of candidates.

Oscarina de Oliveira, a 62-year-old caregiver, told reporters she had planned to vote for Mr Lula, as she always has. But "when I got there, I switched to Bolsonaro. Just to see what happens, to see if anything changes."

The elections marked a comeback for the Bolsonaro family after Jair Bolsonaro lost a re-election bid in 2022, leading to violent riots in the capital and his conviction last year for attempting a coup.

Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and another one of Jair Bolsonaro's sons, Carlos Bolsonaro, both secured seats in the Senate.

Jair Bolsonaro's youngest son, Jair Renan, 28, was elected as a federal politician.

Trump watches on

Mr Trump had said he was watching the election "very closely", but did not endorse Flavio Bolsonaro.

The US president has wielded tariffs and sanctions to pressure Brasilia over complaints ranging from the trial against his ally Jair Bolsonaro to alleged unfair trade practices.

Mr Lula repeatedly warned him not to "meddle" in the elections.

He also vowed Brazil would retain control over the development of its vast reserves of rare earths, which have attracted interest from Washington and other foreign powers.

"I support Lula because he stands up for the poor. Flavio will sell our Brazil off to foreigners," said Victor Jorge Martins, a 25-year-old event planner.

Flavio Bolsonaro has pitched Brazil as a "solution" to ease US dependence on China for critical minerals.

Climate change absent

Revered for social welfare programmes that lifted millions out of poverty, Mr Lula made a return to office in the 2022 elections after being jailed on a corruption conviction that was later thrown out on procedural grounds.

In his third term, he oversaw a drop in inflation and unemployment. However, voters still complain about the high cost of living.

Mr Lula has also sharply curbed deforestation in the Amazon, while backing oil exploration.

Despite a growing number of extreme weather events in Brazil, climate change has been absent from the campaign.

"It is important to elect a candidate who defends our territory, who defends nature," said Tainara da Costa Cruz, 22, who lives along the banks of the Rio Negro in Amazonas state and voted for Mr Lula.