With Brazil's Oct. 25 presidential runoff approaching, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro are competing for support among roughly 33 million people who did not vote in the first round, MercoPress reported.
Datafolha's latest survey puts Bolsonaro at 51% of valid votes and Lula at 49%, a result within the margin of error, according to MercoPress. The outlet said Quaest measured total voting intentions at 46% for Bolsonaro and 44% for Lula. The polls use different measures. EconoTimes previously covered a Datafolha poll showing Flávio narrowly ahead of Lula.
MercoPress reported that both campaigns are seeking support from voters for whom voting is optional: people ages 16 and 17 and those older than 70. The outlet said their participation could affect the result.
On Lula's side, MercoPress cited a São Paulo rally and a WhatsApp channel called “Lula's Army,” which it said has millions of followers. It also reported that the government began paying a 15% increase in Bolsa Família this week. Brazil's Senate approved a 40-hour workweek, a campaign pledge the outlet described as one of Lula's priorities.
Flávio's support network includes almost all right-wing and center-right parties, along with 10 governors elected in the first round, MercoPress reported. His campaign has brought supporters to Avenida Paulista and used a WhatsApp channel called “Flávio's Troop.” The outlet said his policy message has focused on security and the economy, with pledges to establish a Ministry of Prosperity and maintain social programs.
The online campaign has also drawn scrutiny from election authorities. MercoPress reported that both campaigns accused Meta of unequal treatment on its platforms. Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) ordered Meta to ensure equal treatment for the candidates, the outlet said.
MercoPress noted that since direct presidential elections returned in 1989, no candidate who finished second in the first round has gone on to win the presidency. TV Globo's final debate between the candidates is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, with the runoff vote set for Sunday, Oct. 25.
