Brazil Runoff: Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro Tie at 50% in Final Polls

Brazil held its presidential runoff on Sunday, October 25, 2026, with incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva facing conservative senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as final polls showed a statistical tie at 50% of valid votes. About 159 million voters were eligible to cast ballots, with official results from the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) expected from 5:00 p.m. Brasilia time. Bolsonaro led the first round on October 4 with 47.03% against Lula's 45.16%, and both candidates voted early in the day. During the election, authorities replaced 900 electronic voting machines (0.18% of total) and reported 32 electoral offenses with three arrests. Lula's party requested extended voting hours in Bahia due to transport issues, while international celebrities endorsed Lula and Bolsonaro's running mate predicted a "new era" for Brazil.