50 Percent: Final Poll Wipes Out Bolsonaro's Lead Ahead of Brazil Vote

Brazilian voters face a dead heat as they prepare to cast ballots this Sunday. A new survey from the Datafolha institute places President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro at 50 percent each. This result eliminates the four-point lead Bolsonaro held in polls released two weeks prior.

The two men met for a final debate in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. The event, broadcast on TV Globo, focused on economic policy and infrastructure. Lula criticized Bolsonaro's plan to cut public spending, comparing it to the approach of Argentine President Javier Milei. Bolsonaro responded that he would perform the same role in Brazil because Lula is leaving the country bankrupt.

Personal attacks punctuated the discussion. Bolsonaro accused Lula of allowing organized crime to grow and pushing families into debt. He asked, "Why are things so expensive?" Lula countered by questioning his rival's background, stating, "He doesn't know what hunger is." He also declared, "He doesn't know Brazil," while challenging the senator's experience. Bolsonaro maintained that he represents change and is a capable candidate.

Tension rose during several specific exchanges. Bolsonaro used the nickname "Nine Fingers" for Lula, a reference to an accident in the president's early career. The 80-year-old leader demanded an apology, which Bolsonaro offered. Lula later called Bolsonaro a vigilante, citing allegations of ties to paramilitary groups in Rio. Bolsonaro said he would classify such groups as narcoterrorists.

The race has tightened since the first round of voting on October 4. Bolsonaro finished first in that initial vote with 47 percent of the support, ahead of Lula, who received 45 percent. The current 50 percent tie suggests the final outcome may be decided by a narrow margin.

Both candidates are scheduled to join supporters on the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for their final campaign events before the vote.