AFP reported that supporters of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spelled his name in the water at Rio de Janeiro’s Praia Vermelha on Oct. 18, a week before Brazil’s runoff. Euronews published video of the formation.
The display came as supporters rallied for both candidates and Lula and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro took part in a televised debate. The Associated Press reported pro-Lula events in Rio’s Copacabana, Brasília and 16 additional state capitals, as well as a pro-Bolsonaro march on São Paulo’s Avenida Paulista. AFP cited University of São Paulo monitors’ estimates of about 71,000 people at Bolsonaro’s march and about 56,000 at the Copacabana rally.
The candidates’ first runoff debate aired on Band on Oct. 18. Band’s recap listed the economy, security, health, ethics and future plans among the topics. The Associated Press said the broadcast lasted about two hours.
The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) said 99.99% of ballot boxes had been counted in the first round. Bolsonaro received 56,104,268 votes, or 47.03% of valid votes, while Lula received 53,876,617, or 45.16%. Neither won a majority, sending both to the Oct. 25 runoff.
Polls conducted before the debate showed different candidates narrowly ahead. Datafolha’s Oct. 13-14 survey of 2,520 people in 153 municipalities gave Bolsonaro 51% and Lula 49% of valid votes, with a 2-point margin of error. PoderData/Aya reported the same split from interviews conducted Oct. 10-12, with a 1.8-point margin. Exame reported that a Vox Brasil poll of 2,100 people, conducted Oct. 15-17, put Lula at 51% and Bolsonaro at 49%, with a 2.15-point margin. Each poll described the race as tied within its margin of error.
TV Globo has scheduled another presidential debate for Friday, Oct. 23. The TSE has set the runoff vote for Sunday, Oct. 25.
