Brazil Vote: Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro Rally Supporters

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro concluded their final day of campaigning on Saturday with large public gatherings in Brazil. The two candidates are preparing for a runoff election on Sunday that will determine the next president of the country. The vote is expected to be extremely close, with recent data showing the race is within the margin of error.

A CNT/MDA poll released on Saturday placed Flavio Bolsonaro at 46.3 percent of the vote and Lula at 45 percent. The margin of error for that survey is 2.2 percentage points. This result follows an earlier poll from the same firm one week ago, which showed Bolsonaro ahead by 46.8 percent to 45.9 percent. In the first round of voting, Bolsonaro received 47 percent of the vote while Lula received 45 percent.

Lula, an 80 year old incumbent, campaigned at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. He wore a red hat and waved a Brazilian flag from a truck while addressing hundreds of supporters. He contrasted himself with his opponent by referring to Bolsonaro's relationship with US President Donald Trump. Lula stated that the people must choose between someone who kisses the national flag and someone who kisses the American flag.

Flavio Bolsonaro, a senator and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, held a rally in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. Hundreds of motorcyclists wearing yellow national football shirts attended the event. Ebert Dorigo, a supporter, told the news agency AFP that the Workers' Party had encouraged dependence on government welfare. He argued that Brazil needs a change of direction and that values of nation and family are central to his support.

The campaign has focused on economic policy, crime, and the country's political trajectory. Bolsonaro has pledged to add hundreds of thousands of prison places and cut government spending. His father, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, is currently serving a 27 year prison sentence for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election. The runoff will decide whether Brazil continues with Lula's left wing administration or joins a regional shift toward the right.

The candidates held their final debate on Friday, adopting a calmer tone than in previous exchanges. They still traded accusations regarding economic difficulties and their respective records. Gabriela Ribeiro Viana, an event organiser, described the choice as difficult. She told AFP that voters are stuck choosing between the worst option and the lesser evil, as there is no other candidate available.