Scandal-weary Brazilians to vote as Lula faces Bolsonaro’s son

Brazilian voters are set to choose between incumbent leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro in a highly polarized election. Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth term after returning to office in 2023 following a stint in jail on corruption convictions that were later annulled. His campaign has focused on national sovereignty and attacking what he calls US interventionism under President Donald Trump, who has backed right-wing candidates in recent Latin American elections.

Meanwhile, Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, is seen as a more moderate version of his father, who was jailed for attempting a coup against Lula in 2022. He has promised a hard line on crime and pledged to build maximum-security prisons. Both candidates are facing investigations tied to a major financial fraud case involving jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro.

Despite polls showing Lula slightly ahead in the first round, the election remains uncertain with voter fatigue and concerns about corruption affecting many.