Brazil: Brazilian polling stations close after extended voting period

In Brazil, polling stations closed on Monday after an extended voting period for the crucial presidential runoff election. Approximately 159 million Brazilians were slated to choose between incumbent left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Following a closely contested campaign, preliminary results were expected early Monday.

The intense contest between the two politicians was deemed extremely tight, with both candidates nearly neck and neck in pre-election polls. Lula, representing the left-wing Worker's Party (PT), had 45% of the valid votes in the first round, compared to Bolsonaro's 47%. The 80-year-old Lula, seeking a fourth term, focused on social programs, government investments, and continuing his administration's policies.

Bolsonaro, from the right-wing Liberal Party (PL), campaigned on conservative stances and a tougher approach to crime. The Supreme Federal Court (STF) judge Cristiano Zanin extended the voting period by two hours to 7 PM local time due to reported issues with public transportation affecting voters. The ruling applied nationwide.

The tally was initially halted after Lula's coalition requested the extension, citing difficulties with bus connections and public transport in several states due to heavy rain, flooding, and power outages. Bolsonaro's campaign also sought more time for voting in parts of Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, where severe storms, flooding, and blackouts were disrupting the election process.

The dispute over public transportation in Salvador, Bahia, made headlines, as at least 75 buses were initially prevented from leaving their depots. The local government announced the arrest of mobility secretary Pablo Souza on suspicion of election-related misconduct, following allegations of controversy over bus signage featuring Lula's Worker's Party (PT) insignia.