Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro hold final rallies ahead of tight Brazil election
AI Summary
Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro held rival rallies in Sao Paulo as polls show a statistical tie on the eve of a highly contested presidential election.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro held closing campaign events in Sao Paulo on Saturday before Sunday's national vote.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro wrapped up their campaigns in the state of Sao Paulo, which holds one-fifth of the nation's voters. According to France 24, the 80-year-old Lula campaigned from a truck in the city of Sao Paulo, where he vowed to defeat the far right and protect the country's sovereignty. Supporters at the event wore shirts declaring "Make Lula President Again" and "Brazil belongs to Brazilians."
Flavio Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, led a parade of hundreds of motorcycles in the state's interior. France 24 noted that while he followed his father's rally style, the senator remained on a campaign truck rather than riding a motorcycle himself. Euronews reported that his events featured large U.S. flags and inflatable balloons of Donald Trump, even though Trump has not officially endorsed the senator.
The two news outlets gave different accounts of the candidates' final destinations. France 24 reported both candidates were finishing in Sao Paulo, while Euronews stated that Flavio Bolsonaro intended to end his day with a final rally in Rio de Janeiro. Recent opinion polls cited by France 24 show the candidates in a statistical tie, suggesting that neither may secure an outright win on Sunday, which would lead to a runoff on October 25.
The election follows a campaign marked by debates over foreign influence and trade. Euronews reported that Lula has warned the United States against meddling, while his campaign released a song referencing the colonization of Hawaii as a warning against external pressure. Senator Bolsonaro has meanwhile focused his platform on hardline security policies.
Background
Former president Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year sentence for an attempted coup following his 2022 election loss. Relations between Brazil and the U.S. have recently been strained by 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods and the designation of certain Brazilian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
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