Brazil Holds Its Breath Ahead of Presidential Runoff

Brazil holds its breath ahead of Sunday's presidential runoff, with leftist incumbent Lula attempting to close a 1.8-point first-round deficit against far-right challenger Flavio Bolsonaro, as polls show a dead heat. Lula has revitalized his campaign with aggressive social media mobilization and pushed through a popular 40-hour workweek law, while Bolsonaro, backed by eliminated right-wing candidates, has countered with promises of a "ministry of prosperity" and spending cuts, though economists criticize both for demagoguery. Bolsonaro leads on rejection rates and security-focused messaging, but polls show greater fear of a Bolsonaro return, leaving the outcome uncertain as both candidates remain statistically tied.