Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro nearly tied ahead of Brazil’s election run-off

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro are entering Brazil’s presidential run-off with nearly equal support, according to a CNT/MDA poll.

The survey released on Saturday puts Bolsonaro at 46.3% and Lula at 45%, a gap of 1.3 percentage points.

MDA surveyed 2,032 people from October 21 to October 23. The margin of error is 2.2 percentage points.

Poll results compared with last week

The previous CNT/MDA survey showed Bolsonaro ahead with 46.8% against Lula’s 45.9%. A Datafolha poll published on Thursday put both candidates at 50%, after showing Bolsonaro with a four-point lead two weeks earlier.

Final debate focused on domestic issues

The CNT/MDA results came a day after the final debate before the run-off. On Friday, the candidates challenged each other over Brazil’s economy, infrastructure and regional development.

Bolsonaro accused the incumbent of allowing organised crime to expand, increasing household debt and failing to address the rising cost of living. Lula responded that his rival did not know hunger or Brazil.

Bolsonaro finished first in the initial round on October 4, winning 47% of the vote compared with Lula’s 45%. The run-off takes place on Sunday.