Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro takes a 1.87-point first-round edge into Brazil’s presidential runoff, while polling still leans his way despite a narrowing gap, France 24 reported Thursday.
Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) said Bolsonaro received 47.03% of valid votes on Oct. 4, compared with 45.16% for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The figures covered 99.99% of ballot boxes counted. Neither candidate won outright, sending the race to a runoff. EconoTimes previously covered Bolsonaro’s first-round lead.
In its Oct. 22 program, The Debate, France 24 said most of the latest polls showed Bolsonaro ahead, while the gap had contracted since a debate the prior weekend. The program described the contest as close, with polling differences within margins of error.
France 24 also discussed crime and inequality as issues in the race and reported extensive social media posting by Bolsonaro supporters. It said Brazil ranks third worldwide in use of Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, and considered the possible influence of online campaigning on the vote.
Brazilians are scheduled to choose between the candidates on Sunday, Oct. 25.
