Brazil's presidential runoff between incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro is two days away, with the latest surveys pointing to a close contest, according to Clarin.com. On Thursday, Indigenous organizations and federal prosecutors moved separately to ensure voters in remote Amazon communities can reach polling stations on Sunday. The same day, Lula sharpened his attacks on his rival, urging women to vote against Bolsonaro.
Why it matters
Indigenous groups seek guaranteed access to the polls
The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) said Thursday it filed an urgent request with the Inspector General of Justice asking that electoral officials act quickly to help Indigenous voters reach polling places. A day earlier, federal prosecutors filed suit in a federal court in Pará seeking a nationwide order requiring free transport by river, land or air, along with funding for food, interpreters, cultural facilitators and signage in Indigenous languages at voting sites, according to Clarin.com. The measures are aimed at protecting a constitutional right to vote in the runoff, the outlet reports.
Economic challenges await the winner
Whoever takes office inherits a demanding economic agenda, Clarin.com reports. The fiscal deficit stands at 9.48% of GDP and public debt at 82.9%, both on an upward path and described as the main threat to public accounts. Both candidates have promised fiscal discipline from 2027 but have not detailed how they would achieve it.
The benchmark Selic interest rate sits at 13.75%, a level that worries both left and right over its effect on the deficit, investment and household borrowing. The Central Bank has eased rates slightly, but inflation running at 4.58% year-on-year, with fuel prices high, has limited how fast monetary policy can loosen.
A new indirect tax debuts in 2027 under a reform meant to simplify the tax system and raise revenue. The Lula government's preliminary estimates put the VAT rate near 28%, though the official figure has not been announced. Bolsonaro has called for a "review" of the reform approved last year and a lower VAT, and says he would scrap hundreds of fees and regulations by decree.
Brazil is also negotiating with the United States, its second-largest trading partner, to roll back tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which Clarin.com describes as largely politically motivated. Bolsonaro, who is politically aligned with the Republican president, says he could reach a deal more easily; Lula warns his rival would concede too much. Separately, a labor reform approved by Congress cuts the workweek from 44 to 40 hours starting in December, a change some sectors warn could push up inflation or unemployment.
Courts, AI and guns in the campaign's final days
The TSE, which organizes the election and rules on campaign complaints, has become the arena for dueling claims between the two camps, especially over false news and debate rules, Clarin.com reports. The seven-member court, which includes three Supreme Court justices, is currently led by Kássio Nunes Marques, a magistrate appointed by former president Jair Bolsonaro. Both candidates have complained about the speed and impartiality of some of its decisions.
In a video posted to his social networks, Lula told women voters they do not need to like him but should oppose a candidate he accused of hostility toward women, warning that public resources for health, education, childcare and social protection would be cut, Clarin.com reports.
What to watch
Sunday's result, and any last-minute rulings from the TSE or the courts on Indigenous voting access, will determine how smoothly the outcome is accepted.
