Brazil Polls Show 50 Percent Tie Before Sunday Runoff

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro concluded their presidential campaign on Friday with a final debate in Rio de Janeiro. The two candidates met two days before the Sunday runoff vote, focusing their discussion on economic management and public safety.

Lula criticized his rival's plan to cut public spending, comparing the proposal to the economic strategy of Argentine President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro responded by arguing that he would perform the same role in Brazil because Lula is leaving the country in a state of bankruptcy. He stated, "I'll have the same job here [as Milei in Argentina] because you're leaving the country bankrupt."

The senator accused the incumbent of allowing organized crime to grow and failing to control the cost of living. Lula, who is Brazil's first working-class president, attacked Bolsonaro's background, claiming the younger candidate does not understand hunger or the reality of the country. Bolsonaro countered with a direct question: "Why are things so expensive?"

Tensions rose when Bolsonaro referred to Lula as "Nine Fingers," a nickname referencing an accident the 80-year-old president suffered while working as a metalworker. Lula demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro provided. The president then labeled his rival a vigilante, citing alleged ties to paramilitary groups in Rio. Bolsonaro said he would classify such groups as "narcoterrorists."

A third point of contention involved the death of a five-year-old in a shootout that included a police officer whose lawyer is Bolsonaro. The candidate stated he does not believe his client was guilty of the incident. The debate was broadcast on TV Globo and was described as more diplomatic than their first meeting on Sunday.

A Datafolha institute survey published on Thursday showed the race is now a dead heat. The poll placed both candidates at 50 percent, eliminating the four-point lead Bolsonaro held in surveys from two weeks prior. Bolsonaro had taken the first place in the opening round of voting on October 4, securing 47 percent of the vote compared to Lula's 45 percent.

Both politicians are scheduled to join their supporters in the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for their final campaign events before the election takes place on Sunday.