Brazil presidential election heads to runoff after Bolsonaro and Lula fail to win majority vote

Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, an ally of President Trump, and Brazil's veteran President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will face off in a runoff on Oct. 25 for the top job of Latin America's powerhouse economy.

The country's electoral court in Brasilia said neither the 80-year-old incumbent, seeking his fourth non-consecutive term, nor the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro would garner the more than 50% of the total vote needed for an outright win.

Brazil's electoral court in Brasilia had Bolsonaro with just over 55.8 million votes to Lula's nearly 53.2 million. Both candidates were poised to address their supporters.

Trump allies have fared well in recent elections in Latin America, including in Argentina, Colombia, Honduras and Peru. Lula has accused the U.S. administration of trying to sway his country's election to Bolsonaro by imposing tariffs, revoking the visa of the country's ambassador to Washington, and imposing sanctions on government officials and one Supreme Court justice.

The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment on whether it is seeking to interfere in the vote.

The next presidential term begins on Jan. 5, 2027. The winner will be in charge of Latin America's biggest economy and a…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/