Brazilians are voting in a tight presidential race pitting incumbent President Lula da Silva against Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the country's jailed former president, according to NPR. If no candidate wins more than half the votes, the two will face each other in a runoff on Oct. 25.
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Key facts
- President Lula da Silva is facing Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil's presidential vote, according to NPR.
- Flávio Bolsonaro is the son of the jailed former president.
- NPR describes the race as tight.
- A runoff between the two would take place on Oct. 25 if neither wins more than half the votes.
Brazilians are casting ballots in a presidential election that pits incumbent President Lula da Silva against Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of the country’s jailed former president, according to NPR.
NPR describes the contest as a tight race.
Under Brazil’s electoral rules, a candidate must win more than half of the votes to claim victory outright. If neither Lula nor Flávio Bolsonaro clears that threshold, the two will face each other again in a runoff, NPR reports.
That second round is scheduled for Oct. 25, meaning the outcome of the initial vote may not immediately settle who will lead the country.
Flávio Bolsonaro is running while his father, the former president, remains jailed, according to NPR. Further details about the candidates’ platforms and the state of the race were not provided in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Brazil's presidential election will determine the country's leadership, with the vote set against the backdrop of the former president's imprisonment and his son's candidacy. Whether either candidate secures an outright majority will decide if the contest proceeds to a runoff on Oct. 25.
Frequently asked questions
Who is running in Brazil's presidential election?
President Lula da Silva is facing Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of the country's jailed former president, according to NPR.
When would a runoff take place?
If neither candidate wins more than half the votes, the two will face each other again in a runoff on Oct. 25, according to NPR.
Why could there be a second round of voting?
Under Brazil's rules, a candidate must win more than half the votes to win outright. If no one reaches that threshold, a runoff is held.
Timeline
- Brazil votes, with Lula facing Bolsonaro's son
NPR News: In Brazil, President Lula da Silva faces Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the jailed former president, in a tight race. If neither wins more than half the votes they'll face each other again on Oct. 25.