Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro conclude campaigns ahead of close presidential vote

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro wrapped up their election campaigns on Saturday ahead of Sunday's presidential vote. France 24 and Al Jazeera both reported that the two candidates held their final events in the powerhouse state of Sao Paulo. France 24 added that Sao Paulo accounts for one-fifth of the nation's total vote. [2][4]

The 80-year-old Lula ended his campaign on Saturday with a march through Sao Paulo, which his campaign described as a record crowd for a closing rally, according to Al Jazeera. Flavio Bolsonaro, a right-wing senator and son of former far-right populist President Jair Bolsonaro, is challenging the incumbent left-wing president, DW reported. [2][5]

Recent polling indicates that Lula's lead over Bolsonaro is narrowing, making a second-round runoff likely, according to Al Jazeera and DW. As FTMQ News reported earlier, polling from CNT and MDA also indicated a narrowing lead ahead of the first-round vote. [2][5][14]

Lula has served as the president of Brazil since 2023, having previously held the office from 2003 to 2011. He is a member of the Workers' Party. [11]