Brazil’s Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro Head to Presidential Runoff

What changed

Brazil’s presidential election is heading to a runoff on 25 October between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro.

Millions voted in Sunday’s first round. Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term; Bolsonaro, 45, is making his first presidential run and is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Why it matters

Brazil’s presidency will be decided in a direct contest between an experienced incumbent and a first-time candidate carrying a powerful political name. Lula now has to win again, while Flávio Bolsonaro must turn a family legacy into a national mandate of his own.

The shape of the race is clear. The result is not. First-round vote totals and the eventual winner have not been provided, so the next meaningful milestone is the 25 October runoff itself.