Politics

Quaest Poll Finds Bolsonaro Slightly Ahead of Lula Ahead of Brazil Run‑Off

By Al Jazeera Staff

A new Quaest poll released on Thursday shows right‑wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro holding a narrow lead over President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as both candidates prepare for Brazil’s run‑off on October 25. The poll indicates Bolsonaro would receive 46 percent of the vote compared with Lula’s 44 percent, a difference within the two‑percent margin of error. Bolsonaro performed better than expected in the first round on October 4, winning by less than two points despite most polls predicting a marginal first‑round win for Lula. Neither candidate secured a majority, triggering the second round. The poll, the first issued by Quaest since the initial round, suggests Bolsonaro has maintained his advantage and remains the favourite heading into the second round. Lula has been rallying supporters after the October 4 loss, holding large rallies that have drawn millions of people onto the streets. Analysts note that Bolsonaro has not gained as much from the elimination of several conservative candidates as might have been expected, although he has secured endorsements from right and centre‑right parties to build a coalition friendly to business interests. On Wednesday, Brazil’s Senate approved a constitutional amendment reducing the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours without a pay cut, a key priority for Lula amid concerns about cost‑of‑living. Lula said, “Today is a day to celebrate a historic achievement for millions of workers. 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.” The president has also recently banned sports betting, citing its contribution to gambling addiction and rising household debt.