SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilians voted on October 4, 2026, in a presidential election featuring incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. This election occurs as the region experiences a political shift to the right. Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year sentence for a coup attempt and is known for his ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Lula, 80, is running for the seventh time and has worked to strengthen Brazil's relations with China.
Recent elections in Latin America have seen success for candidates aligned with Trump, including in Argentina, Colombia, Honduras, and Peru. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will occur on October 25.
Brazil has nearly 159 million eligible voters who will also elect 27 state governors, members of state legislatures, all 513 federal members of the lower house of Congress, and 54 of the 81 senators. Polls closed at 5 p.m. local time, with results expected shortly after.
Lula's approval ratings have declined during his third term, but his stance against the U.S. has garnered him support. He has expressed concerns about potential U.S. interference in the elections, citing past actions by the Trump administration, including tariffs and sanctions.
After voting, Lula stated he needs to "do double of what we have done" if reelected and expressed confidence in winning in the first round. However, he faces challenges due to an affordability crisis and a corruption scandal involving a justice who led the investigation into Bolsonaro.
Flávio Bolsonaro has emphasized his connection to the White House and has promised to address criminal groups in Brazil. He has campaigned on the notion of releasing his father from prison and bringing him back into politics.
Voter sentiments vary, with some supporting Lula for his social policies, while others back Bolsonaro for his promises to combat crime and improve relations with the U.S. Concerns about Bolsonaro's proximity to his father's presidency have also been raised, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
The Trump administration has been vocal about its opinions on Latin American elections, endorsing candidates in Colombia and Honduras. Lula has consistently warned against U.S. meddling in Brazilian affairs, with some supporters wearing shirts denouncing intervention.
The Organization of American States reported that voting proceeded smoothly, with no significant fraud detected in Brazil's electronic voting system. Electoral authorities assured that the system is secure and verifiable, with the president of the Superior Electoral Court stating there were no indications of international interference.
Voters expressed confidence in the electoral process, with some noting that quick results help prevent doubts about the integrity of the election. Concerns about potential international influence on public opinion through social media were also mentioned, but many trust the credibility of Brazil's electoral system.