Brazil votes today for president as polls give Flavio Bolsonaro 51% against Lula’s 49%

Brazilian voters go to the polls today in the second round of the presidential election, in which conservative candidate Flavio Bolsonaro faces outgoing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Two polls published on Saturday show a slight lead for Bolsonaro, who has 51% support, while Lula has 49%. However, the two-percentage-point difference is within the statistical margin of error.

The contest is expected to determine the political direction of Latin America’s largest economy and has prompted both candidates’ supporters to mobilize.

Lula da Silva, who represents the left, is seeking to win his fourth non-consecutive presidential term. His rival is Flavio Bolsonaro, the conservative candidate and eldest son of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

Data from the Datafolha and Quaest institutes puts Flavio Bolsonaro at 51%, compared with 49% for Lula da Silva. Nevertheless, neither can be considered a clear favorite, as the difference falls within the statistical margin of error.

A Datafolha poll published on Thursday had shown the two candidates tied, with each receiving 50% support.

Three weeks ago, in the first round, Flavio Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote, while Lula secured 45%, exceeding poll predictions.

This result has increased uncertainty over the outcome of the race, while both campaigns have stepped up efforts to attract voters.

Datafolha conducted its poll in recent days, but it is not known whether data collection continued after the televised debate between the candidates. The Quaest poll was conducted on Friday and Saturday, while both campaigns had brought thousands of supporters onto the streets across the country.

The vote will determine whether Brazil continues to be led by Lula or entrusts its leadership to Flavio Bolsonaro, in a race that remains open until the final hours.