Brazil braces for result of knife-edge election after voting chaos
RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil braced Sunday for the results of a nail-biting election pitting leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva against right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro, after a last-minute order to extend polling by two hours generated chaos and confusion.
Brazil is bracing for a tight election between leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro, following a last-minute order to extend polling by two hours, which caused confusion and chaos. The 81-year-old Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, while the 45-year-old senator wants to reduce government spending and turn Brazil over to "the Lord Jesus Christ".
Final polls showed the two candidates in a dead heat. Lula requested the extension, claiming buses had been removed from circulation in Sao Paulo and key northeastern cities, while Bolsonaro asked for it in areas with heavy rain. Some polling stations had already closed, and tallies began when the order was issued. The Supreme Court clarified the order only applied to locations where polling stations were still open.
The election will determine if Brazil remains a left-leaning nation or moves rightward, influenced by US President Donald Trump. Lula, who previously governed for the impoverished, faces accusations of economic instability and insecurity.
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