Right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro secured the top spot in Brazil's first-round presidential election, earning a runoff against incumbent President Lula da Silva on October 25, according to The Zioneer. Bolsonaro's campaign has centered on restoring ties with Israel and moving the embassy to Jerusalem.
With 99% of ballots counted, Brazil's presidential election is headed to an October 25 runoff after right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro secured 47% of the vote to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's 45%, according to official results published early Monday. Neither candidate reached the 50% threshold required for an outright first-round win.
Polls closed Sunday night with expectations of a runoff, as The Zioneer reported at 23:12 Jerusalem time. By early Monday morning, results showed Bolsonaro outperforming pre-election polls that had predicted a first-round Lula victory. Israeli journalist Ariel Kahana reported at 06:04 Monday that Bolsonaro led Lula 47% to 44%, with the Bolsonaro coalition winning roughly one-third of Senate seats. The official count, published at 06:26 Jerusalem time, confirmed the final margin: Bolsonaro 47%, Lula 45%, with the runoff set for October 25.
Bolsonaro's platform centers on restoring Brazil's diplomatic relationship with Israel, which has frayed under Lula's tenure, and relocating the Brazilian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem — pledges The Zioneer has reported on since the candidate's announcement in June. His father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, is currently imprisoned in Brazil. Lula, 80, is seeking re-election amid a deepening rift with Jerusalem, as The Zioneer reported in August. Massive pro-Bolsonaro rallies were reported across Brazil on election day.
No further developments were immediately available Monday morning. The runoff campaign is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with both candidates focusing on economic issues and foreign policy.
5 developments
- StrongLula expresses disappointment, Bolsonaro says 'Brazil wants change' after first round
- DevelopingNew Brazil poll shows Flavio Bolsonaro closing gap to tie with Lula ahead of October election
- DevelopingFlavio Bolsonaro vows to expand Brazil-Israel ties in interview
- StrongMassive pro-Bolsonaro crowds take to streets on Brazil election day
Source and signal
- Open-source intake