Brazil presidential vote pits Trump ally against Lula, who is seeking 4th nonconsecutive term

In a high-stakes Brazilian presidential election happening this Sunday, incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces off against his ideological opposite, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro. The two candidates are viewed as having a strong chance at winning outright. Lula, aged 80, is running in his seventh presidential election while Bolsonaro, 45, is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump.

If no candidate receives more than half the votes, a runoff will be held on October 25. Ten other candidates are expected to garner fewer votes in this election. Lula has strengthened Brazil's ties with China, in contrast to Bolsonaro's close ties with the Trump administration. Bolsonaro has campaigned on releasing his father from his 27-year prison sentence and bringing him back into politics.

Bolsonaro has also been accused of receiving support from the U.S. government, a claim he denies. The election is being closely watched due to Brazil's economic and political challenges, including a current affordability crisis and ongoing corruption scandals.