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Flávio Bolsonaro leads Brazil’s presidential count

Flávio Bolsonaro was ahead of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with more than 90 per cent of Brazil’s presidential votes counted. The reported shares were 48.05 per cent and 43.97 per cent respectively. Neither had crossed the first-round majority threshold at that stage, putting the two rivals on course for an October 25 runoff.

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Two staff review an electronic workstation with a small storage device, beside a Brazilian flag in a tally room.

Flávio Bolsonaro is ahead in the first round

Flávio Bolsonaro led President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil’s presidential first-round count after polls closed on October 4. The two leading candidates faced a runoff rather than a first-round victory. Bolsonaro is a senator and the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro; Lula is seeking a fourth term as president.[1], [2]

At the stage when more than 90 per cent of votes had been counted, Bolsonaro had 48.05 per cent and Lula 43.97 per cent. The figures described an incomplete count. A candidate needs more than 50 per cent of valid votes to win in the first round; otherwise the top two meet in a runoff scheduled for October 25.[1]

A large electorate chooses the next president

The electoral court said 158.7 million people were eligible to vote, including approximately one million living abroad. Lula faced 11 other candidates. He is 80, while Flávio Bolsonaro is 45. Jair Bolsonaro is barred from running for office and from making public statements after receiving a 27-year sentence over his role in a failed coup attempt. He is under house arrest for medical reasons.[1]

Senate seats were also on the ballot

Voters also chose occupants of 54 of the Senate’s 81 seats. Those elected are due to take office in February 2027. Before the election, Flávio Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party was the Senate’s largest bloc, followed by the Social Democratic Party in Lula’s governing coalition. The legislative contests accompanied the presidential vote and determine the chamber’s composition for the new term.[1]

References

  1. News sourceBBCBolsonaro and Lula approach a runoff in Brazil↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceUOLFlávio Bolsonaro leads Brazil’s first round as the race goes to a runoff↩
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