Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro neck and neck ahead of the second round in Brazil

Luiz Inacio Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro are starting the final phase of the Brazilian presidential race. According to Le Monde — Amériques, the two opponents are currently tied in voting intentions. The decisive vote is scheduled for Sunday, October 25 according to RFI — Amériques. The 80-year-old incumbent president is seeking to win a fourth term after finishing behind his competitor in the previous round.

Assessment of the last debate

Le Monde — Amériques reports that the final televised confrontation allowed the far-right senator to present his measures for the economy. However, Flavio Bolsonaro stumbled while formulating a personal attack against Luiz Inacio Lula that ultimately backfired on him. The newspaper describes a more offensive incumbent president facing a more polished challenger during this crucial exchange to convince undecided voters.

Impact of abstention

Voter turnout represents a major challenge for this end of the campaign. RFI — Amériques highlights that the first round was marked by a record level of abstention, even though voting is compulsory in the country. This situation mostly hurt Luiz Inacio Lula. Both candidates have few days left to urge citizens to go to the polls and swing the results.