Brazil votes in deeply polarised election pitting Lula against Bolsonaro

Close race expected as left-wing Lula seeks fourth non-consecutive term against right-wing Flavio Bolsonaro, son of convicted former president.Published On 4 Oct 20264 Oct 2026Polls have opened in Brazil’s presidential election, once again pitting left-wing incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva against a right-wing candidate from the Bolsonaro family – Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.Some 160 million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots in Sunday’s elections, which will elect lawmakers, governors and senators.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Latin America sees China as more positive global influence than US: Polllist 2 of 4US and Australia suspend diplomatic operations in Brazil before electionlist 3 of 4What to know about Brazil’s 2026 presidential electionlist 4 of 4Brazil’s Lula and Bolsonaro close campaigns ahead of critical electionend of listIf no presidential candidate wins more than 50 percent of valid votes, the top two contenders will proceed to a run-off on October 25.Most opinion polls ahead of the vote showed a close contest, with Lula holding a marginal advantage over Bolsonaro that tightens further in a...