Brazil Runoff: Final Poll Shows 50 Percent Tie

A survey by the Datafolha institute published on Thursday places Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro at 50 percent each in the upcoming presidential runoff. This result erases the four-point lead Bolsonaro held in polls released two weeks prior, indicating a deadlocked race heading into Sunday's vote.

The candidates held their final televised debate on Friday in Rio de Janeiro, broadcast on TV Globo. The exchange was more diplomatic than their first meeting, though it featured sharp policy disagreements and personal attacks. Both men questioned each other on infrastructure, regional development, and the national economy.

Lula challenged Bolsonaro's proposal to cut public spending, comparing the plan to the methods of Argentina's president, Javier Milei. Bolsonaro countered that he would face the same economic challenges because Lula is leaving the country bankrupt. The senator also accused the incumbent of allowing organized crime to grow and failing to control the high cost of living. Lula responded by criticizing Bolsonaro's lack of experience, stating that the senator does not know what hunger is or what Brazil is.

Tension rose when Bolsonaro used the nickname Nine Fingers, a reference to an accident Lula suffered while working as a metalworker. Lula demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro offered. Later, Lula called Bolsonaro a vigilante, citing allegations of ties to paramilitary groups in Rio. Bolsonaro responded by saying he would classify such groups as narcoterrorists.

The debate also included a heated exchange involving the mother of a five-year-old girl killed in a shootout. The police officer involved in the incident was represented by Bolsonaro, who stated he does not believe his client was guilty. The race has tightened considerably since the opening round of voting on October 4, when Bolsonaro finished first 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 the election on Sunday.