Lula, Bolsonaro to face off in first debate of bruising election
Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, secured a shock first-round lead over Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva earlier this month, defying poll predictions.
Brazil is gearing up for a contentious presidential runoff on Sunday, as left-wing incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva faces off against right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The debate, scheduled for Sunday evening, is expected to be a turning point in a campaign marked by scandal and personal attacks.
Lula and Bolsonaro are locked in a tight race, with polls showing their support levels nearly even, with 51% of voters favoring Lula and 49% backing Bolsonaro. The debate will be crucial as Brazil faces economic hardship, with many citizens struggling to make ends meet.
During a rally in Sao Paulo, Bolsonaro supporters chanted "Come back, Bolsonaro!" while Lula supporters displayed slogans like "Right-wing. With pride" and "Never Again Bolsonaro." In Rio de Janeiro, swimmers spelled out Lula's name on Copacabana beach and iconic singer Caetano Veloso led a rally in support of the president.
Lula, who has admitted his campaign has been disorganized, has enlisted young leftist influencers to bolster his social media presence. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro has vowed to free his jailed father and promised debt forgiveness for microentrepreneurs, among other campaign pledges. The election appears poised to be a defining moment in Brazilian politics.
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- Lula, Bolsonaro to face off in first debate of bruising election freemalaysiatoday.com
