Brazilians head to polls in high-stakes, polarized election

Brazilians are heading to the polls on Sunday for the first round of a closely contested election. The campaign has been dominated by corruption scandals, economic concerns and accusations of US meddling. Leftist incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 80, is seeking a fourth term, while 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, Flavio Bolsonaro, hopes to return his father's right-wing movement to power.

A victory for Flavio Bolsonaro would continue a wave of wins across Latin America for right-wing candidates aligned with US President Donald Trump, while Lula's reelection could create problems for Washington, which has clashed with his government over trade and security.

Despite economic growth concerns, the campaign has lacked significant policy debate as both leading candidates skipped major TV debates. If no candidate secures over 50% of valid votes, the top two will face off on October 25.

In the run-up to the vote, Brazil has faced allegations of foreign interference, particularly from the United States. The fallout from Jair Bolsonaro's conviction last year led the US to impose 50% tariffs on Brazil in 2025, which Lula has criticized as an attempt to sway the election.

The Bolsonaro family has also lobbied the US to pressure Brazil's Supreme Court to drop charges against Jair Bolsonaro. Lula's allies warn that the Trump administration may refuse to recognize his election results if he wins. Meanwhile, Brazil's internal political stability has been shaken by rising cost of living, heavy household debt and rising crime.