Brazil’s election 2026 campaigning reached its final stage on Saturday, 24 October, as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and opposition candidate Flávio Bolsonaro attracted thousands of supporters to rival rallies ahead of Sunday’s presidential runoff.
Large crowds gathered in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Belo Horizonte as both candidates made their final appeals to voters.
Lula, representing the left-wing Workers’ Party, addressed supporters at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro before travelling to São Paulo.
Meanwhile, Flávio Bolsonaro, a right-wing senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, joined supporters in Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.
The rallies highlighted the political divisions facing Latin America’s largest country, with voters preparing to decide between two candidates offering different approaches to economic policy, public security and international relations.
Thousands Gather for Lula’s Rally at Copacabana Beach
Tens of thousands of people gathered at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro to support President Lula.
Many wore red clothing associated with his Workers’ Party and waved Brazilian flags.
Lula travelled through the crowd on a campaign vehicle, greeting supporters and encouraging them to participate in Sunday’s vote.
The 80-year-old president, who turns 81 next week, is seeking a fourth non-consecutive presidential term.
During the rally, Lula emphasised Brazil’s national sovereignty and criticised his opponent’s political ties to United States President Donald Trump.
His campaign has argued that Brazil should maintain an independent foreign policy while continuing to reduce poverty and inequality through its programmes.
Supporters also highlighted the importance of public services, workers’ rights and social assistance.
Following the Rio de Janeiro event, Lula travelled to São Paulo for another campaign gathering.
Flávio Bolsonaro Holds Major Rally in Belo Horizonte
Flávio Bolsonaro held his own electione eve demonstration in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais.
Thousands of supporters gathered wearing Brazil’s yellow and green national colours.
Motorcyclists joined the event, while crowds waved Brazilian flags and displayed campaign banners.
Bolsonaro has focused his campaign on public security, economic management and reducing government expenditure.
He has promised tougher action against organised crime, including an expansion of prison capacity.
The senator has also presented himself as a continuation of the political movement associated with his father, Jair Bolsonaro, while seeking to establish his leadership identity.
Supporters at the rally expressed concerns about crime, living expenses and government spending.
Bolsonaro later travelled to Rio de Janeiro for further campaign activities.
Who Won the First Round of Brazil’s Election?
Brazil held the first round of its presidential election on 4 October 2026.
Flávio Bolsonaro finished with approximately 47% of valid votes, while Lula received around 45%.
Neither candidate secured the majority required to win outright.
Under Brazil’s electoral system, a presidential candidate must receive more than 50% of valid votes to win in the first round.
Because no candidate reached that threshold, the two leading candidates advanced to a runoff.
The second round is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October.
The first-round result gave Bolsonaro a narrow lead, but the second-round outcome remains undecided.
Latest Brazil Election Polls Show a Close Contest
Opinion surveys released before the runoff indicate a closely contested election.
A Datafolha poll reported that Lula and Bolsonaro each had 50% of valid voting intentions.
Another survey, conducted by CNT/MDA and released on Saturday, showed Bolsonaro at 46.3% and Lula at 45% among respondents.
The CNT/MDA poll had a reported margin of error of 2.2 percentage points.
Because the difference between the candidates was smaller than the margin of error, the survey did not establish a statistically clear lead.
Polls provide a snapshot of public opinion at the time respondents are interviewed.
They do not determine the final election result.
Actual voting behaviour, turnout and the choices of undecided voters will decide the outcome.
Lula and Bolsonaro Offer Different Economic Policies
Economic concerns have played an important role throughout the election campaign.
Many Brazilian households continue to focus on food prices, employment opportunities, public spending and household income.
Lula has defended social welfare programmes and government policies that are intended to support lower-income families.
His administration recently announced an increase in payments under Bolsa Família, Brazil’s main cash-transfer programme.
The government says the adjustment aims to protect vulnerable households against rising living costs.
Bolsonaro has criticised the administration’s economic record and has promised to reduce government spending.
His campaign argues that economic growth requires stronger fiscal discipline and policies that encourage private investment.
The candidates therefore offer different approaches to balancing public assistance, economic growth and government finances.
Crime and Public Security Become Major Election Issues
Public security is another major issue dividing the candidates.
Brazil has long faced challenges involving organised crime, drug trafficking and violence.
Flávio Bolsonaro has promised tougher measures against criminal organisations.
His proposals include increasing prison capacity and strengthening law enforcement.
Lula has emphasised the importance of coordinated government action, social investment and public security institutions.
Both candidates recognise crime as a significant concern, but they differ in their proposed responses.
Voters will also be considering how these approaches might affect civil liberties, government expenditure and the justice system.
Jair Bolsonaro’s Political Legacy Remains Important
Former President Jair Bolsonaro continues to influence the election despite not appearing on the ballot.
He served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2022.
Following his defeat to Lula in the 2022 election, he became the subject of legal proceedings relating to an attempted coup.
In 2025, Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced him to 27 years in prison.
His son Flávio has continued to appeal to voters who supported the former president.
For some supporters, the younger Bolsonaro represents continuity with his father’s policies.
Opponents have raised concerns about the implications of a return to power by the Bolsonaro political movement.
These contrasting views have contributed to the intensity of the election campaign.
Why Is Minas Gerais Important in Brazil’s Election?
Minas Gerais is one of Brazil’s most politically significant states.
It has a large electorate and includes major cities, industrial centres and rural communities.
The state has frequently attracted attention during presidential elections because of its diverse population and political preferences.
Both campaigns have devoted considerable effort to reaching voters there.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s rally in Belo Horizonte formed part of that strategy.
The state’s voters will contribute to the national result alongside those in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brazil’s other regions.
However, no single state determines the election by itself.
What Role Does Donald Trump Play in the Campaign?
Relations with the United States have become another subject of political debate.
Lula has emphasised Brazil’s sovereignty and has also criticised external pressure on Brazilian institutions.
Flávio Bolsonaro has expressed support for closer relations with the Trump administration.
The disagreement follows tensions between Washington and Brasília over trade and the legal proceedings involving Jair Bolsonaro.
Trump previously imposed tariffs on Brazilian imports and has also criticised the prosecution of the former president.
The candidates have offered different perspectives on how Brazil should manage its relationship with the United States.
The next administration will also face decisions involving trade, climate policy and relations with other international partners.
Nearly 159 Million Brazilians Eligible to Vote
Nearly 159 million Brazilians are eligible to participate in the presidential runoff.
Voting is compulsory for most literate citizens aged 18 to 70, although exceptions apply.
The country’s electoral authorities oversee voting and the counting of ballots.
Brazil uses electronic voting machines, and the authorities generally process results relatively quickly after polls close.
The presidential runoff will determine who governs Brazil for the next four-year term.
The result will also influence the direction of economic, environmental and foreign policy.
What Happens on Sunday, 25 October?
Brazilians will return to polling stations on Sunday to choose between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro.
The candidate receiving more than half of valid votes will win the presidency.
After voting ends and officials process the ballots, they will release the results.
The outcome may also shape relations between the executive branch and Brazil’s Congress.
Regardless of the winner, the next administration will face challenges involving economic growth, public security, environmental protection and political divisions.
Conclusion
The Brazil election 2026 has entered its final hours after Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro attracted thousands of supporters to competing rallies.
Lula’s campaign drew large crowds to Copacabana Beach, while Bolsonaro mobilised supporters in Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro.
The two candidates represent different political traditions and offer contrasting approaches to social welfare, crime and international relations.
With the latest opinion polls showing a close contest, the result remains uncertain.
On Sunday, 25 October, Brazilian voters will decide who leads the country for the next four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Brazil’s presidential runoff election?
The runoff takes place on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
Who are the two presidential candidates?
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
Is Jair Bolsonaro running for president?
No. His son Flávio Bolsonaro is the presidential candidate.
Who won the first round?
Flávio Bolsonaro received approximately 47% of valid votes, compared with 45% for Lula.
Where did Lula hold his final campaign rallies?
Lula campaigned in Rio de Janeiro, including Copacabana Beach, and São Paulo.
Where did Flávio Bolsonaro hold his rally?
He held a major campaign event in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, and continued campaigning in Rio de Janeiro.
How many Brazilians can vote?
Nearly 159 million people are eligible to vote.
Who will win Brazil’s election?
The result is not yet known. The winner will be determined by the votes cast in Sunday’s runoff.
