Bolsonaro leads Lula as nail-biter Brazil vote goes to a run-off

Brazil's presidential election will proceed to a runoff after neither of the top two candidates secured an outright majority. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, led the first round with 47.1% to 45% for left-leaning President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, according to El Pais, with 98% of votes counted. The Japan Times reported Flavio Bolsonaro had 49.58% of the votes to Lula's 42.25% with about 65% of votes reported.

Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, is seeking to continue the right-wing populist movement started by his father, while Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term. The election campaign was dominated by corruption scandals, economic anxiety, and accusations of US meddling. According to DW English, with more than 99% of ballots processed, Flavio Bolsonaro had received 47.2% of the vote, while Lula had 45%.

A runoff election is scheduled for October 25. If Flavio Bolsonaro wins, Brazil will be the latest Latin American country to swing to the right, Le Monde English reported.

Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, Japan Times, El Pais, DW News, DW English (Top Stories) — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.