Final Datafolha Poll Erases Bolsonaro's Lead in Brazil

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro are tied in the final pre-election survey.

The Datafolha institute released a survey on Thursday placing both candidates at 50 percent each. This result eliminates the four-point advantage Bolsonaro held in polls from two weeks prior. The data indicates a near-perfect split in voter support with two days remaining until Sunday's runoff vote.

The candidates met for their final debate on Friday in Rio de Janeiro. The session focused on economic strategy and infrastructure. Lula criticized Bolsonaro's plan to reduce public spending, comparing the approach to the policies of Argentine President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro countered that he would face similar conditions in Argentina because the incumbent is leaving Brazil bankrupt. The senator argued that Lula has allowed organized crime to grow and has failed to control the high cost of living for families.

Lula responded by questioning Bolsonaro's background, stating that the senator does not understand hunger or the country he seeks to lead. Bolsonaro defended his candidacy as a vehicle for change. The debate was less confrontational than their first meeting on Sunday but still included personal exchanges. Bolsonaro used the nickname Nine Fingers, a reference to a workplace accident in Lula's past. Lula demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro provided.

The two men also clashed over public safety. Lula called Bolsonaro a vigilante, citing alleged ties to paramilitary groups in Rio. Bolsonaro labeled such groups narcoterrorists. Tensions rose when a mother spoke about her five-year-old son, who died in a shootout involving a police officer represented by Bolsonaro's legal team. Bolsonaro stated he did not believe his client was guilty of the incident.

The race tightened after the first round of voting on October 4. Bolsonaro led that vote with 47 percent, while Lula received 45 percent. Both leaders are scheduled to campaign in the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo before the final count on Sunday.