Brazilians are voting today (Sunday, October 4, 2026) in the first round of their presidential election, with current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro emerging as the leading contenders. Analysts widely expect the election to proceed to a second round on October 25, as neither candidate is likely to secure more than 50 percent of the vote in today’s contest.
Polling stations across Brazil opened at 8 am and will close at 5 pm local time (Brasília time). Approximately 160 million eligible Brazilian voters are expected to cast their ballots. While 13 candidates are vying for the presidency, the race is primarily between Lula, representing the Workers Party, and Bolsonaro, a prominent figure from the Liberal Party.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who previously served two terms as president from 2003 to 2011, is campaigning on a platform focused on poverty reduction, social welfare programs, healthcare improvements, and strengthening international relations. He has also emphasized the protection of Brazil’s democracy and sovereignty against foreign interference.
Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is the main right-wing challenger. His campaign promises include securing the release of his father, who is currently serving a 27-year, three-month jail sentence for plotting a military coup after the 2022 election. Flávio Bolsonaro also advocates for tougher crime policies, cuts in government spending, and stronger ties with the administration of former US President Donald Trump.
Recent public opinion polls from September 2026, including those by Quest, AtlasIntel, and Datafolha, indicate that President Lula holds a narrow lead. However, the margin between the two frontrunners is slim, making a run-off election highly probable. A September 2026 survey revealed that over 70 percent of Brazilians feel the country is polarized, with nearly half expressing fatigue over the division. Both major candidates also face high disapproval ratings, hovering around 50 percent as of September 2026.
The election has also been overshadowed by a major financial scandal involving banker Daniel Vorcaro, which has shown connections to both presidential campaigns and members of the Supreme Court, becoming a prominent issue recently.
Jair Bolsonaro, Flávio’s father, was narrowly defeated by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 election. In January 2023, supporters of Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings in the capital in an attempt to overturn the election results. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes was among the judges who convicted Jair Bolsonaro for his role in plotting a military coup. Lula himself faced corruption and money laundering charges, serving jail time from 2018 to 2019, though these cases were later dismissed. Flávio Bolsonaro entered the presidential race after his father declared him his political successor in December 2025.
Brazil’s electoral system has utilized fully computerized electronic voting machines since 2000, ensuring voting security. If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote today, the top two contenders will face each other in a second-round run-off on October 25. The official results of the first round will be announced by the electoral commission. The incoming government will face the task of advancing relations with major trade partners like the United States and China, as well as the Global South.
The final outcome of today’s first round of voting remains unknown as the polls are still open. It is also yet to be confirmed whether a second round will be necessary. Specific disputes or concerns regarding the fairness or integrity of the election have not yet been confirmed.
