President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is leaning on selfie videos and younger lawmakers’ advice to reach voters after Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro led Brazil’s first round by more than 2.2 million votes.
Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) said Flávio received 56,104,268 votes, or 47.03% of valid votes, on Oct. 4, while Lula received 53,876,617, or 45.16%. The 2,227,651-vote difference was based on 99.99% of ballot boxes counted. The TSE set the runoff for Oct. 25.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that Lula posted his first selfie video on Oct. 7 and asked newly elected young lawmakers for social media advice. Ana Elisa Santos Silva, elected federal deputy on Oct. 4, was among them. AFP quoted Santos Silva as saying, “Today, our most important campaign leaflet is the mobile phone.” The agency also reported that Lula had jogged and done squats during the campaign.
In the video, Lula urged supporters, “Come on, folks, let's hit the streets; let's talk to people,” AFP reported. The agency said Flávio had used informal videos to speak with supporters for months, showing the candidates’ different approaches to digital campaigning.
A roughly two-hour televised debate on Oct. 18 included little discussion of future plans, The Associated Press (AP) reported. Flávio linked economic improvement to a change in leadership and action against corruption; Lula pointed to his record and social programs, AP said.
Band said the Oct. 18 debate marked the first time the runoff rivals met in person for a televised exchange.
Brazil’s National Archives records that Lula helped found the Workers’ Party in 1980, served as president from 2003 to 2010 and returned to office in 2023. He is seeking a fourth, nonconsecutive term.
AP reported that another debate is scheduled for Oct. 23. Voters will choose between Lula and Flávio on Oct. 25.
