Brazil's runoff pits Lula against Bolsonaro in tight race

Brazilians voted Sunday in a presidential runoff between leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 80, and right-wing challenger Flavio Bolsonaro, with final polls showing the race neck-and-neck. The outcome will determine if Brazil remains among Latin America's few leftist governments. Lula, seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, has pitched himself as a bulwark against US interference and promised expanded social protections. Bolsonaro, 45, has vowed to crack down on crime and slash spending, presenting himself as more moderate than his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for attempted coup. The election follows a record first-round abstention rate, with heavy rain potentially affecting turnout. Lula's campaign accused Meta of algorithmic manipulation favoring his opponent, which the company denied. Analysts warn of a bruising aftermath, with threats of impeachment if the left wins or retribution against the Supreme Court if the right prevails.