Brazil's second-round presidential vote tests Lula against Bolsonaro
Brazil holds the decisive second round of its presidential election on Sunday, October 25, with voters choosing between incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, 45, won the first round on October 4 and has been endorsed by US President Donald Trump, drawing accusations of election interference. His father, Jair Bolsonaro, is serving 27 years under house arrest for a coup attempt after losing the 2022 election, and Flávio has promised to pardon him if victorious. All polls show the candidates within the margin of error, with Bolsonaro leading. Lula frames the vote as a "battle for democracy," while Bolsonaro highlights corruption scandals and pledges tougher crime fighting. CNN notes the election tests Lula's leftist legacy against Bolsonaro's right-wing movement.