Brazil prepares to choose its president on October 25, 2026, with final opinion polls showing a close contest between incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Reuters reported the surveys on October 24, ahead of Sunday's decisive runoff.
According to BBC reporting, Lula, 80, seeks a fourth non-consecutive term, while Bolsonaro, 45, is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The challenger finished first in the October 4 opening round. The runoff now gives voters a direct choice between the left-wing incumbent and the right-wing senator.
Reuters reported that Datafolha put Bolsonaro at 48% and Lula at 47%, with a two-percentage-point margin of error. The institute surveyed 4,050 people on October 23–24. Quaest recorded 46% for Bolsonaro and 45% for Lula among 3,702 respondents over the same dates, also with a two-point margin. Neither survey establishes a certain winner.
The Associated Press identified differences over relations with the United States, climate policy and social welfare. It also reported that more than 33 million of nearly 160 million voters abstained in the first round. Participation therefore remains an important factor as the two political camps seek support.
Brazil's electoral authorities set voting for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Brasília time. The São Paulo regional electoral court says people already waiting in line at closing time retain the right to vote. Its guidance also says eligible voters who missed the first round may participate if their registration is in good standing.
The court directs voters to official channels to check their polling location and follow the count. The immediate next step is Sunday's ballot and the subsequent official tally; the final campaign surveys describe voting intentions rather than an election result.
Comments