Brazil votes in nail-biter polls closely watched by Trump

Brazilians will cast their votes on Sunday in a closely contested race between incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The election outcome will determine if Brazil follows a rightward trend in Latin America, influenced by US President Donald Trump.

At 80 years old, Lula is campaigning for his fourth and final term, warning voters that Brazil's sovereignty is threatened by Trump's pressure. He is up against 45-year-old Flavio Bolsonaro, who faces a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup.

Polls suggest neither candidate will secure more than 50% of the vote in the first round, leading to a runoff on October 25. Lula has an edge among Brazil's poor northeast, low-income voters, Catholics, and women, while Bolsonaro leads in the south, among wealthier voters, and evangelicals.

Both candidates have faced intense criticism and scandals, with Lula accusing Bolsonaro of being unfit to manage a building, and Bolsonaro calling Lula incompetent. Voter turnout and last-minute choices are expected to play a crucial role in the election.

Lula, known for his social welfare programs, made a significant comeback after a previous corruption scandal saw him jailed for over 18 months. He narrowly defeated Bolsonaro in the 2022 election by just 1.8 percentage points. Bolsonaro, on the other hand, has vowed a tough stance on crime and fiscal austerity.

Trump has closely monitored the election but has not endorsed either candidate. He has criticized Lula for meddling in US affairs and has used tariffs and sanctions to pressure Brasilia. Indigenous chief Bepdjo Mekragnotire supports Lula, expressing concern over possible increases in illegal mining and logging if Bolsonaro wins.