Flavio Bolsonaro Holds 1.3 Point Edge in Final Brazil Poll
The CNT/MDA survey released Saturday shows the race within the margin of error as both candidates hold their last rallies.
By Alina Campbell ·
A new CNT/MDA poll released Saturday places Flavio Bolsonaro at 46.3 percent and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at 45 percent. The gap of 1.3 percentage points falls inside the survey's 2.2 percentage point margin of error. This result marks a slight shift from a week earlier, when the same poll showed Bolsonaro ahead by 46.8 percent to 45.9 percent. The data suggests the contest remains nearly level heading into Sunday's run-off vote.
Lula, 80, addressed hundreds of supporters at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. He wore a red hat and waved a Brazilian flag from a campaign truck. The incumbent left-wing leader is seeking a fourth term, which would not be consecutive. During his speech, Lula contrasted his own patriotism with his rival's ties to US President Donald Trump. He stated, "The people must choose either someone who kisses the national flag or someone who kisses the American flag."
Flavio Bolsonaro held his final rally in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. Hundreds of motorcyclists wearing yellow national football shirts attended the event. The senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro took 47 percent of the vote in the first round, narrowly beating Lula's 45 percent. Recent surveys indicate the race has remained tight since that initial vote.
Ebert Dorigo, one of the motorcyclists at the Minas Gerais rally, told the news agency AFP that he believes Brazil needs a change in direction. He claimed Lula's Workers' Party encouraged dependence on government welfare. Dorigo said, "The values we uphold are nation and family." He argued that welfare policies have left some people believing achievement comes from something other than hard work.
The campaign has focused on economic policy, crime, and the country's political future. Bolsonaro has pledged to add hundreds of thousands of prison places and cut government spending. His father, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence. Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula.
The two candidates met for a final debate on Friday. They adopted a calmer tone than in previous encounters but still traded accusations regarding economic difficulties and their respective records. Gabriela Ribeiro Viana, an event organizer, told AFP that the choice is difficult. She said, "If there were any other candidate, that would be a better option. But we're stuck choosing between the worst, the horrible, and the lesser evil."
