Brazil’s presidential run-off intensifies as Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro trade attacks
Brazil’s presidential run-off has become a bitter contest between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro led the October 4 first round by about 47% to 45%, but subsequent polls suggest his advantage has narrowed to one or two points ahead of the October 25 vote.
Both campaigns are intensifying their digital operations. André Janones created a pro-Lula WhatsApp channel that attracted more than 8 million followers, while Bolsonaro’s campaign relies on young MP Nikolas Ferreira and his audience of 25 million. Their online battle has reached the Superior Electoral Court: Lula’s side accused Meta of algorithmic manipulation and sought to annul Bolsonaro’s candidacy, while Bolsonaro alleged that the government abused its power on WhatsApp. Meta says it has introduced measures to treat both candidates equally.
Lula is targeting 6.9 million young non-voters and seeking to capitalise on Congress’s approval of ending the six-day working week, passed by the Senate 75–1 after Bolsonaro’s allies reversed their opposition. An October 18 debate produced few policy details on security, health or the economy, focusing instead on personal attacks and corruption allegations. With 33 million people having abstained and up to 14% of voters described as undecided, both camps are urging supporters to vote early in an election expected to be decided by a narrow margin.
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