A new Quaest poll shows right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro with a slight lead over President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ahead of Brazil’s tense October 25 run-off vote. The survey, released on Thursday, gives Bolsonaro 46 percent support against 44 percent for Lula. That gap falls within the poll’s two-point margin of error. Flavio is the son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro.
The findings are the first Quaest survey since the initial round of voting on October 4. In that round, Bolsonaro beat Lula by less than two points, outperforming most polls that had suggested the leftist president was on course for a narrow first-round win. Neither candidate won a majority, which would have ruled out a run-off.
Analysts question how much Bolsonaro gains from eliminated rivals
Although Bolsonaro remains ahead, analysts noted he has not picked up as much support as expected from the exit of several conservative candidates. Those candidates’ backers were presumed to prefer him over Lula after the first round.
Bolsonaro has, however, secured endorsements from right and centre-right parties. He is seeking to unite conservatives behind a coalition that is friendly to business interests and to a policy agenda investors want.
Lula rallies supporters and pushes working-hours reform
Lula has held large rallies since his October 4 loss, drawing millions of people onto the streets. He also has a legislative win to point to. On Wednesday, Brazil’s Senate approved a constitutional amendment cutting the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours without a reduction in pay. The measure was a key priority for Lula, who is appealing to voters anxious about the cost of living.
“Today is a day to celebrate a historic achievement for millions of workers,” Lula said in a statement. “This means having more time to live, rest, be with family, watch your children grow up, take care of yourself, and enjoy life. Those who work so hard to build Brazil also deserve to have time to live.”
Sports betting ban follows concerns over gambling and debt
Lula recently banned sports betting. The article notes that the activity had caused a sharp rise in gambling addiction and contributed to surging household debt across the country.
