A new poll published in Brazil on Monday shows Flavio Bolsonaro, the pro-Israel right-wing candidate, closing the gap with President Lula da Silva to a statistical tie, with both candidates at 45% in a simulated second-round runoff, according to reports. The result represents a narrowing of the gap from nearly 5% in previous polls. The tightening race has implications for Brazil-Israel relations, as Bolsonaro has pledged to restore diplomatic ties and move the embassy to Jerusalem.
A poll published Monday in Brazil shows the presidential race tightening significantly, with Flavio Bolsonaro, the Liberal Party candidate and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, closing a gap that had been nearly 5% in previous surveys to a dead heat at 45%-45% in a simulated second-round runoff against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The poll, reported by Brazilian media, signals a notable shift in momentum ahead of the October election. Bolsonaro, who has run a campaign centered on conservative values and a pro-Israel foreign policy, has pledged to restore full diplomatic relations and relocate the Brazilian embassy to Jerusalem — a direct contrast to Lula's tenure, which has seen a deepening rift with the Jewish state.
As The Zioneer has reported, Bolsonaro's candidacy was officially confirmed by the Liberal Party in July, and he has since received a public endorsement from his father, Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a prison sentence. The younger Bolsonaro has also secured a recorded video message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his campaign launch.
The race remains highly competitive, with the latest poll suggesting the outcome could hinge on undecided voters and the evolving dynamics of the campaign.
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