A new poll has reaffirmed the tight race for Brazil’s presidency, with left-wing incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing challenger Flavio Bolsonaro tied at 45% each in a head-to-head contest.

The Datafolha survey, released Saturday, polled 2,004 respondents. Nine percent said they would cast null ballots, while 1% remained undecided.

Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term, having previously served from 2003 to 2011. Bolsonaro, a senator from Rio de Janeiro, aims to continue the far-right legacy of his imprisoned father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup and subverting the 2022 election results. Flavio has pledged to seek his father’s release if elected.

However, the poll was conducted before a scandal broke involving leaked WhatsApp messages between Bolsonaro and arrested banker Daniel Vorcaro. The Intercept Brasil reported that Bolsonaro sought financing for a film about his father, titled “Dark Horse,” and Vorcaro allegedly pledged $24 million.

Flavio Bolsonaro acknowledged seeking funding but denied any connection to Vorcaro’s alleged fraud scheme, stating it was “private sponsorship for a private film.” Left-wing lawmakers have called for an investigation.

This is not the first controversy for Bolsonaro’s campaign. In December, he faced criticism for suggesting he might withdraw in exchange for his father’s freedom, later clarifying his candidacy was “irreversible.” In April, Brazil’s Supreme Court authorized a probe into whether he defamed Lula.

While Lula was the frontrunner by a wide margin in late 2025, Bolsonaro has since closed the gap, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election in October.

Source: www.aljazeera.com