Lula or Flávio Bolsonaro's son? Brazil prepares to make its final choice

Brazil prepares to hold a final decision in its presidential run-off between incumbent leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 81, and his right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro, son of jailed ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro. The vote on Sunday will determine the future of Brazil, Latin America's largest democracy with a population of 214 million people.

Lula, facing stiff competition from the 45-year-old senator, defied expectations by securing 47% of the first-round vote compared to Flávio's 45%. The victor will either maintain Brazil as a left-wing stronghold or support right-wing administrations allied with US President Donald Trump, though the White House has not yet endorsed Flávio Bolsonaro explicitly.

Lula's political party accuses US tech giant Meta of election interference by allegedly restricting the incumbent's content on WhatsApp and Instagram, though Meta denies any favoritism. The campaign has largely been waged on social media, with Brazilian leftists increasing their efforts. Lula has appealed to voters through live broadcasts, despite lacking personal social media accounts.

Flávio Bolsonaro has vowed to release his father from a 27-year prison sentence if elected, and is under investigation for corruption over the financing of a film about his father.