Polls show 50 percent tie as Brazil votes Sunday

Brazilian voters face a nearly tied contest in Sunday's runoff election, according to a Datafolha institute survey released on Thursday. The poll places President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro at 50 percent each. This result erases the four-point lead Bolsonaro held in polls published two weeks earlier.

The two candidates met for their final debate on Friday in Rio de Janeiro. The event was broadcast on TV Globo and focused on policy differences regarding the economy, infrastructure, and regional development. The tone was more diplomatic than their first meeting on Sunday, though personal attacks still occurred.

Lula criticized Bolsonaro's plan to cut public spending, comparing it to the approach of Argentine President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro responded by arguing that the incumbent is leaving the country bankrupt. "I'll have the same job here [as Milei in Argentina] because you're leaving the country bankrupt," Bolsonaro said.

The candidates also clashed over public safety and cost of living. Bolsonaro accused Lula of allowing organized crime to expand and failing to control prices. Lula, who is 80 years old, countered by questioning Bolsonaro's background. "He doesn't know what hunger is," Lula said. Bolsonaro replied by asking, "Why are things so expensive?"

Tensions rose during a segment involving the mother of a five-year-old killed in a shootout. The police officer involved in the incident had Bolsonaro as his lawyer. Bolsonaro stated that he does not believe his client was guilty. The exchange highlighted the personal stakes for families affected by street violence in Rio de Janeiro.

Another heated moment occurred when Bolsonaro used the nickname "Nine Fingers" for Lula. The term refers to an accident Lula suffered while working as a metalworker. Lula demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro offered. Lula then called his rival a vigilante, citing allegations of ties to paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro.

Both candidates are scheduled to join supporters on the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for their final campaign push before the vote. The runoff follows an opening round of voting on October 4, where Bolsonaro took 47 percent of the vote to Lula's 45 percent.