Brazil Polls Show 50 Percent Tie After Lula and Bolsonaro Clash in Rio

Brazilian voters face a dead heat in Sunday's presidential runoff, according to a survey released two days before the final vote.

The Datafolha institute published results on Thursday showing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro tied at 50 percent each. This erases the four-point lead Bolsonaro held in polls from two weeks prior. The figures arrive after the two rivals held their final debate in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.

The exchange on TV Globo focused heavily on fiscal policy and infrastructure. Lula criticized Bolsonaro's proposal to cut public spending, comparing the plan to the approach of Argentina's President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro countered by arguing he would face a similar challenge because the incumbent is leaving the country bankrupt. He stated, "I'll have the same job here [as Milei in Argentina] because you're leaving the country bankrupt."

The candidates also traded personal jabs. Lula, Brazil's first working-class president, accused the senator of ignorance regarding the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. "He doesn't know what hunger is," Lula said. He added, "He doesn't know Brazil." Bolsonaro responded by asking why the cost of living remains high. He framed himself as a capable candidate bringing necessary change to a stagnant government.

Tensions rose when Bolsonaro used the nickname "Nine Fingers" for Lula, a term referencing an accident from the president's past as a metalworker. The 80-year-old leader demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro offered. The moment was more diplomatic than their previous meeting on Sunday, though it still contained sharp edges.

Another heated exchange involved the mother of a five-year-old boy killed in a shootout. A police officer involved in the incident was a client of Bolsonaro's. The candidate said he does not believe his client was guilty. Bolsonaro also referenced allegations of ties to paramilitary groups in Rio, saying he would classify such groups as "narcoterrorists." Lula called the senator a vigilante in response.

Bolsonaro finished first in the initial round of voting on October 4 with 47 percent of the vote, compared to Lula's 45 percent. Both candidates are scheduled to join supporters in the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for their final campaign push before Sunday's election.