Brazil presidential election polls close, counting begins
In short
Brazil's presidential election polling closed and counting began, with Sankei Shimbun saying results were expected around the morning of Oct. 5 Japan time. NHK and Sankei said pre-election surveys pointed to a close race between incumbent left-wing President Lula and right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Sankei reported polling figures of 45% for Lula and 42% for Bolsonaro, and said a runoff on Oct. 25 was the prevailing expectation if no candidate wins a majority.
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Brazil's presidential election polls closed and vote counting began, according to NHK News and Sankei Shimbun. NHK said the deadline fell at 5:00 a.m. Japan time on Oct. 5, while Sankei reported that voting ended in Brazil on Oct. 4. Sankei said results were expected around the morning of Oct. 5 Japan time. [ 1 , 2 ]
Twelve candidates were on the ballot, and Sankei described the contest as effectively a head-to-head between left-wing incumbent President Lula, 80, seeking a fourth term, and 45-year-old right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Pre-election polling put Lula at 45% and Bolsonaro at 42%, according to Sankei, while NHK said the surveys indicated a close race. A candidate needs a majority to win outright, and Sankei reported the prevailing view that the two would advance to a runoff on Oct. 25. Economic policy and public security were the main issues, Sankei said. [ 1 , 2 ]
Sankei reported that Lula campaigned on expanded support for low-income households, protection of critical minerals and stronger national defense. It said his relations with US President Trump have worsened and that he emphasizes the BRICS framework made up of China, Russia and major emerging economies. [ 2 ]
Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who built good relations with Trump, centers his campaign on strengthening ties with the United States, according to Sankei. The report said he criticizes the Lula government's “handout policies,” promises cuts to government spending, and proposes tougher penalties and the construction of large prisons to improve public security. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The contest between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro carries weight beyond Brazil: Sankei reported that Lula emphasizes the BRICS grouping that includes China and Russia and has strained ties with US President Trump, while Bolsonaro centers his campaign on closer relations with Washington. Sankei identified economic policy and public security as the main campaign issues, so the outcome bears on Brazil's foreign alignment and domestic spending and policing policy.
Key facts
- Brazil's presidential election polling closed and vote counting began. [ 1 , 2 ]
- NHK and Sankei said pre-election surveys indicated a close race between incumbent President Lula and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Sankei reported polling figures of 45% for Lula and 42% for Bolsonaro. [ 2 ]
- Twelve candidates were on the ballot, and a majority is needed to win outright. [ 2 ]
- Economic policy and public security were the main campaign issues, according to Sankei. [ 2 ]
- Lula campaigned on expanded support for low-income households, protection of critical minerals and stronger defense. [ 2 ]
- Bolsonaro campaigned on closer US ties, cuts to government spending and tougher security measures including large prisons. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the election will be decided in the first round or go to a runoff on Oct. 25. Sankei alone reported the runoff date, and it was based on pre-election polling rather than results.
- Final results, turnout and the vote count. Both reports were published while counting was under way; Sankei said results were expected around the morning of Oct. 5 Japan time.
- The precise polling numbers, 45% for Lula and 42% for Bolsonaro. Only Sankei gave figures; NHK described the race as close without citing numbers.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Polling in Brazil's presidential election closes, at 5:00 a.m. Japan time on Oct. 5, and counting begins; Sankei reported voting ended in Brazil on Oct. 4. [ 1 , 2 ]
- NHK News reports the close of voting and the start of counting, saying pre-election surveys pointed to a close race. [ 1 ]
- Sankei Shimbun publishes polling figures and candidate platforms, and says results are expected around the morning of Oct. 5 Japan time. [ 2 ]