On Sunday, right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro topped the first round of Brazil's presidential election, after obtaining 47% of the vote, ahead of current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who received 45%.

The result ran counter to opinion polls favoring Lula's lead, so the two candidates went into a runoff scheduled for three weeks, after both failed to secure the majority needed to decide the race in the first round.

Bolsonaro's progress has coincided with significant gains by the right in parliamentary elections, a setback for Lula, who is seeking a fourth term as president, as Bolsonaro enjoys the popularity that his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, still enjoys among conservative voters, despite his conviction to sit in power in 202. Elections.

The elections are taking place in light of intense political polarization and growing complaints from voters about the cost of living and the spread of crime, despite the decrease in unemployment during Lula's tenure. While Flavio Bolsonaro presents himself as more moderate than his father, and pledges to toughen the fight against crime and strengthen the partnership with Washington.