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Brazil extends voting in tight race between Lula, Bolsonaro

A Supreme Court ruling just minutes after polls were set to close at 5pm local time ordered voting extended across the country until 7pm.

Brazil extends voting in tight race between Lula, Bolsonaro

On Sunday, Brazil's Supreme Court extended voting time by two hours in a closely contested presidential election between incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula, 80, requested the extension, alleging buses had been removed from service in Sao Paulo and other key cities, claiming an "abominable" situation was unfolding.

Bolsonaro, 45, also sought an extension due to heavy rains in the south and southeast regions where much of his support lies. The Supreme Court ruled that the extension was necessary only for locations where polling stations had not yet closed at 5 pm local time. Lula's campaign highlighted issues like cut public programs and insecurity, while Bolsonaro vowed to reduce crime and government spending.

With final polls showing the candidates evenly matched, the outcome of this runoff will determine whether Brazil remains a left-leaning nation or moves towards a more right-wing direction similar to the United States.

Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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