The key facts

  • Final rallies were held in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on Saturday; voting takes place on Sunday
  • Poll: Bolsonaro — 50.7%, Lula — 49.3%
  • Brazil is the continent's largest economy, and the election is being closely watched across Latin America

The final day of campaigning

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro held their final campaign rallies on Saturday ahead of the second round of the presidential election, which is scheduled for Sunday. This was reported by Anadolu, citing the newspaper O Globo. On the last day, the candidates mobilized supporters in major urban centers, seeking to consolidate their electoral bases before the polls opened.

Rallies in São Paulo and Rio

Lula's supporters began gathering in São Paulo around midday, according to GloboNews figures cited by Anadolu. The president himself was expected to arrive after 4:00 p.m. local time (7:00 p.m. GMT) following a rally in Rio de Janeiro. Flávio Bolsonaro, for his part, was campaigning among voters in the Barra da Tijuca area in Rio's western zone, GloboNews reported.

A virtually even race

A poll published on Saturday showed that Bolsonaro has the support of 50.7% of voters, while 49.3% would cast their ballots for Lula. These figures point to an extremely tight contest ahead of Sunday's vote. In the second round, Lula, who returned to the presidency in 2023 and is seeking a new term, faces Bolsonaro — the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. According to Anadolu, Latin America is watching the election with particular attention, given Brazil's regional influence and its role as the continent's largest economy.

Why it matters

The outcome of the second round will determine the course of Latin America's largest economy, which is why the vote is being watched far beyond Brazil's borders. The 1.4 percentage-point gap in Saturday's poll means the result could hinge on minimal voter mobilization. In practical terms, this means the election outcome will remain uncertain until the polls close, and both campaigns staked their final day on turnout in major cities.