According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in South America, polling stations opened at 8 a.m. (local time). This is a closely watched election amidst fierce competition between incumbent President Lula da Silva, the candidate of the left-wing Workers' Party (PT), and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the candidate of the right-wing Liberal Party (PL).
Twelve candidates are running for president, but only two stand out in the race: President Lula and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro. Pre-election polls showed Lula leading in the first round, but the gap has narrowed significantly, and the two candidates are considered to be very close if the second round on October 25th goes to a tie.
At age 80, Lula is seeking a fourth presidential term, following two terms from 2003-2010, and is expected to return to the presidency in 2023. During his current term, the Lula government has achieved some notable socio -economic results, including a reduction in the unemployment rate to 5.4% in the second quarter of 2026, the lowest level in the current data series; poverty rates and food insecurity have also decreased.
The area of Amazon rainforest destroyed in the 12 months to July 2026 decreased by 36.9%, reaching its lowest level since the Deter system – Brazil's satellite-based deforestation monitoring and warning system – began recording data in 2016.
To ensure the security of the election, 26,500 military personnel were mobilized to support 482 localities, with nearly 8,830 polling stations; police and security forces were also reinforced nationwide. More than 140 international observers, including the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union (EU), the Parliament of the Southern Common Market Mercosur (Parlasur), and the Union of International Electoral Bodies (Uniore), were present in Brazil to monitor the election.
The polling stations will close at 5 PM on the same day.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/brazil-buoc-vao-cuoc-bau-cu-tong-thong-post1391364.html
