Brazil polls show razor thin gap

The presidential race in Brazil has narrowed to a statistical margin of error heading into the final vote.

A CNT/MDA poll released on Saturday places Flavio Bolsonaro at 46.3 percent and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at 45 percent. This represents a 1.3 percentage point gap, down from a 46.8 percent to 45.9 percent lead for Bolsonaro recorded by the same organization one week prior. The survey carries a margin of error of 2.2 percentage points.

The campaign concluded on Saturday with rallies in Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Lula, 80, spoke from a campaign truck at Copacabana Beach. He wore a red hat and waved a flag while addressing the crowd. He referenced his rival's relationship with US President Donald Trump, stating that voters must choose between someone who kisses the national flag or the American flag.

Lula is seeking a fourth, non-consecutive term. His opponent, Flavio Bolsonaro, is a senator and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. In the first round of voting, Flavio Bolsonaro received 47 percent of the vote, slightly ahead of Lula's 45 percent.

In Minas Gerais, Bolsonaro supporters gathered for a rally featuring hundreds of motorcyclists wearing yellow football shirts. Ebert Dorigo, a supporter, told AFP that Lula's Workers' Party had created dependence on government welfare. He argued that the country needs a change in direction and that values such as nation and family require hard work rather than state aid.

The campaign has centered 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 sentence for attempting a coup after losing to Lula in 2022.

The candidates held their final debate on Friday, adopting a calmer tone than previous exchanges while still trading accusations over economic difficulties. Gabriela Ribeiro Viana, an event organizer, described the choice to AFP as difficult. She said voters are stuck choosing between the worst, the horrible, and the lesser evil. Brazilians will vote on Sunday.