Polls open in Brazil presidential runoff

In Sunday's contentious Brazilian presidential runoff, incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faced off against Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro. Polls indicated a tight race, with both candidates needing more than 50% of the vote to prevail in the January runoff. Incumbent Lula and son-in-law Bolsonaro, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, clashed over issues ranging from U.S.-Brazil relations to social welfare.

Lula's victory would maintain left-leaning leadership in Brazil and Mexico, while Bolsonaro's win would signal a shift to the right in Latin America's largest economy. Despite roughly 33 million eligible voters remaining unrepresented, both candidates faced accusations of corruption. Lula, who previously served as president from 2003 to 2010, emphasized the urgent need for change, while Bolsonaro promised to bring down food costs and improve security.

As Bolsonaro cast his ballot in Rio de Janeiro, supporters chanted for Lula's ouster, while Lula's supporters rallied for real change. The outcome will determine Brazil's next Supreme Court justice and potentially reshape the region's political landscape.