Brazil’s presidential race has tightened after a new poll showed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s lead over Senator Flavio Bolsonaro shrinking to a single percentage point ahead of the October runoff.
The latest Quaest survey, commissioned by Globo, placed Lula at 42% of voting intentions, down one point from the prior poll, while Bolsonaro rose to 41%, an increase of one point. The results reflect a shift from the August 14 survey, which had Lula leading 43% to 40%.
The simulated second-round runoff numbers mark the closest margin recorded in recent polling for the October election, underscoring the competitive nature of the contest. The data suggests the race remains volatile with less than two months until voters return to the polls.
The Quaest poll, conducted for Globo, is the latest in a series of surveys tracking voter sentiment as the runoff campaign intensifies. Analysts note that small shifts in public opinion can materially influence the outcome given the narrow gap between the candidates.
The election will determine the successor to the current administration, with the runoff scheduled for October following the first-round vote.
