Voting in Brazil's presidential election began on Sunday. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the current leftist president, is attempting to return to power for a fourth non-consecutive time, while Flávio Bolsonaro, a senator and son of Jair Bolsonaro, is looking to continue his father's right-wing movement.
Close competition between candidates
Polls predict a tight race between the two main candidates, with neither appearing likely to secure more than 50 percent of the votes to avoid a runoff election, which will be held on October 25.
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Lula and Bolsonaro wrapped up their campaigns on Saturday in Brazil's economic hub, São Paulo. Lula, 80, concluded his campaign with a promise to "defeat the far-right" as he toured the city of São Paulo. Organizers reported that around 150,000 of Lula's supporters attended the large rally in the city.
Plans of both candidates
Lula has emphasized continuing his Workers' Party programs, referring to welfare policies, state development, and income redistribution. During his voting, he stated: "People must choose between strengthening the democratic regime and barbarism ... between progress and regression."
On the other hand, Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, who has been a Liberal Party senator for Rio de Janeiro since 2019, held a motorcade rally in the suburbs of São Paulo on Saturday, carrying an image of his father while the crowd chanted "mito" — a Portuguese word meaning "legend" that Jair Bolsonaro's supporters use for him.
Bolsonaro has focused on strict security policies and tax cuts, criticizing the high cost of living under Lula's management. He stated: "Brazil needs change" and added: "Brazil can no longer endure any suffering, including high taxes and the high number of women being killed."
The 2022 Brazilian election is seen as a kind of rematch between Lula and Jair Bolsonaro. Flávio Bolsonaro's father is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to overturn the results of the 2022 election. Flávio Bolsonaro has promised to pardon his father if elected.
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