Brazil votes in nail-biter polls closely watched by Trump

On Sunday, Brazilians went to the polls in a tight race between incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The outcome of this election will determine whether Brazil follows a rightward trend, a shift that has been championed by US President Donald Trump. Lula, who is 81 years old, is seeking his fourth term in office, warning voters that Brazil's sovereignty is at risk due to pressure from Trump.

Bolsonaro, facing a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup, is also running for office. Neither candidate is expected to secure more than 50% of the vote in the first round, which will be held on Sunday, leading to a runoff on October 25.

Lula enjoys support from Brazil's poor northeast region, low-income voters, Catholics, and women. Bolsonaro, on the other hand, leads in the south, among wealthier voters, and evangelicals. Both candidates face high rejection rates in the deeply polarized nation, with a campaign marked by scandals and mud-slinging rather than policy discussions. Lula has criticized Bolsonaro as an incompetent individual, while Bolsonaro has cast Lula as "not even fit to be a building manager."

Lula's social welfare programs have lifted millions out of poverty, but voters are frustrated with the high cost of living and crime. He has curbed deforestation in the Amazon, but environmental issues have taken a backseat in the campaign. Indigenous chief Bepdjo Mekragnotire supports Lula, fearing that a Bolsonaro victory would lead to more illegal mining and logging in the Amazon.

Trump has been a significant influence on the campaign, closely watching the election and urging both candidates not to meddle. Bolsonaro's rallies have featured US flags and images of Trump, and he has promised a hardline approach to crime and fiscal austerity. Lula's supporters believe that a Bolsonaro win would result in more enemies and threats to the Amazon.