Brazil has held the first round of its 2026 presidential election, with leftwing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva facing far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro.
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Key facts
- Polls have closed in the first round of Brazil's presidential election, held on 4 October 2026.
- Incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term.
- His rival is far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
- Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup after his 2022 re-election defeat.
- A candidate needs more than 50% of the vote to avoid a second round.
Polls have closed in the first round of Brazil’s highly polarised presidential election, a contest that could shape the direction not only of Latin America’s largest country but of the wider region, according to the Guardian.
The race pits the leftwing incumbent, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, against far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in office, while Bolsonaro is standing as the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Jair Bolsonaro is currently in prison, serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup following his failed re-election bid in 2022, the Guardian reports. Flávio Bolsonaro is described as an ally of Donald Trump.
Under Brazil’s electoral system, the president is directly elected, and a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to avoid a second round, according to the Guardian.
Polls closed at 17.00 BRT, equivalent to 21.00 BST, according to the Guardian’s live coverage of the results.
The Guardian characterised the election as both high-stakes and highly polarised, reflecting the sharp divide between Lula’s leftwing platform and the far-right movement represented by the Bolsonaro family.
Why it matters
As the largest economy and democracy in Latin America, Brazil's choice of president carries weight far beyond its borders. The contest between an established leftwing leader and the far-right son of a jailed former president underscores the deep political polarisation shaping the country's future.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the main candidates in Brazil's 2026 presidential election?
The main candidates are incumbent leftwing president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, and far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.ن
What happens if no candidate wins more than 50%?
In Brazil, the president is directly elected and a candidate must win more than 50% of the vote to avoid a second round. If no one reaches that threshold, a run-off follows.
Why is Jair Bolsonaro not running?
According to the Guardian, Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup after his failed 2022 re-election attempt. His son, Flávio Bolsonaro, is the candidate in this race.
Timeline
- Right-wing Flávio Bolsonaro wins first round of Brazil election
BBC World: With neither candidate getting more than 50% of the vote, the election will go to a run-off on 25 October.
- Brazil’s presidential race: Three key takeaways from the first round
Al Jazeera: Flavio Bolsonaro beat polling expectations as Brazil’s right gained ground, setting up October 25 run-off with Lula.
- Brazil election goes to run-off as right-wing Flávio Bolsonaro wins first round
BBC World: With neither candidate getting more than 50% of the vote, the election will go to a run-off on 25 October.
- Brazil presidential election 2026: first-round live results
The Guardian World: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is standing against Flávio Bolsonaro in the first round of the presidential race The incumbent, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is up against Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of the former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is in prison for plotting a military coup. The
- Polls close in first round of Brazil’s high stakes presidential election
The Guardian World: Leftwing incumbent Lula trying to fight off close rival Flávio Bolsonaro, far-right son of jailed ex-president The polls have closed in the first round of Brazil’s highly polarised and high-stakes presidential election that could change not only the direction of Latin America’s l
- Polls close in first round of Brazil’s high-stakes presidential election
The Guardian World: Leftwing incumbent Lula trying to fight off close rival Flávio Bolsonaro, far-right son of jailed ex-president The polls have closed in the first round of Brazil’s highly polarised and high-stakes presidential election that could change not only the direction of Latin America’s l