Brazilian voters went to the polls on Sunday to choose between incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The contest comes as political currents in Latin America tilt toward the right, echoing trends seen in recent elections in Argentina, Colombia, Honduras and Peru. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two will face each other in a runoff scheduled for October 25. In addition to the presidential race, voters elected 27 state governors, all 513 members of the lower house of Congress and 54 of the 81 senators.

Polls closed at 5 p.m. local time, with vote counting beginning shortly thereafter. In the previous election, the runoff participants were identified around 8 p.m. after nearly all votes were tallied. Lula, 80, is seeking a seventh term and has emphasized Brazil’s deepening ties with Beijing. His administration has also positioned itself as a counterweight to U.S. influence, a stance that has resonated with some supporters who view recent U.S. actions — such as tariff impositions and sanctions against Brazilian officials — as interference.

Senator Bolsonaro has highlighted his connections to the White House and pledged to negotiate better terms with the Trump administration, particularly in the rare‑earths sector, which ranks second globally in reserves. He has also promised to confront criminal organizations and to commute his father’s 27‑year sentence. Critics note that his campaign has been marred by corruption allegations, including accusations of receiving funds from a disgraced banker to produce a film about his father.

Voter sentiment was mixed. Maria Ribeiro, a 50‑year‑old shop owner in Brasília, said she voted for Bolsonaro to protect her Evangelical freedoms and to emulate his father’s policies. In contrast, Lorena Zschaber, a 40‑year‑old photographer in Rio de Janeiro, expressed concern that a Bolsonaro victory could revive a climate of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Rosângela Resende da Rocha, a 69‑year‑old former homemaker, cited Lula’s social programs, such as Bolsa Família, as the reason for her support, arguing that they assist the most vulnerable citizens.

Lula warned against foreign meddling, urging Brazilians to defend national sovereignty. Campaign materials included slogans rejecting “colonial” attitudes, and several voters wore shirts echoing that message. The United States has not publicly commented on any alleged involvement in the election. International observers from the Organization of American States reported that voting proceeded smoothly and transparently, with no concrete evidence of external interference. Brazil’s electronic voting system, in place since the 1990s, was described as secure and reliable by election officials and several voters interviewed on election day.

The election outcome remains uncertain, with both campaigns mobilizing distinct constituencies. The final result will shape Brazil’s domestic policies and its relationship with major powers in the coming years.