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    Brazil election: Lula closes gap with Bolsonaro ahead of runoff

    Synopsis

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has seen a decrease in the lead of rival Flavio Bolsonaro. Poll results indicate that Lula is now at 49 percent compared to Bolsonaro's 51 percent. This shift follows Lula's efforts to enhance his social media presence and promote social measures. These developments are critical as the presidential runoff approaches on October 25.

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    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Workers' Party (PT) candidate for presidential re-election speaks during a ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, October 13, 2026.Reuters
    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has seen a decrease in the lead of rival Flavio Bolsonaro
    Brasilia: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has narrowed the gap with his conservative rival Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of the country's October 25 presidential runoff, a poll showed Thursday.

    The eldest son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro caused surprise by defeating Lula in the October 4 first round with 47 percent of the vote compared to the Lula's 45 percent.

    Lula has sought to rebound by boosting his presence on social media and announcing a range of crowd-pleasing social measures.


    A Datafolha poll of voter intentions published Thursday showed the rivals in a statistical tie.

    It showed Flavio Bolsonaro with 51 percent of the vote, compared to 49 percent for Lula, which is within the two-percentage-point margin of error.

    Last week, the same polling firm had Bolsonaro on 52 percent and Lula on 48 percent.

    On Wednesday, Quaest polling company also showed Bolsonaro on 51 percent and Lula on 49 percent.

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