Brazil Election: Lula and Bolsonaro in Dead Heat Ahead of Runoff

Brazil's presidential election enters its final hours before Sunday's runoff, with incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro locked in a technical tie, as polls show Bolsonaro with 51% of valid votes against Lula's 49%. Lula held a massive closing rally on São Paulo's Paulista Avenue, calling his rival a "liar" and "militiaman" unqualified for the presidency, while Bolsonaro campaigned in Rio de Janeiro, accusing Lula's government of "promising much and delivering nothing." Both candidates drew tens of thousands of supporters. The election follows a first round where Bolsonaro outperformed polls, and analysts note second-round forecasts tend to be more accurate. Former Chilean President Gabriel Boric endorsed Lula, while voters across the political spectrum cited democracy and social concerns as key motivators.