Brazil Decides on Bolsonaro vs. Lulu—and US Influence

Brazil's presidency is on the line in a runoff that doubles as a test of President Trump's clout in Latin America. Voters on Sunday were choosing between leftist incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, whose surprise first-round lead rattled pollsters and thrilled markets. A Bolsonaro win would likely tighten ties with the Trump administration, Reuters reports, even as US officials reject accusations they're trying to sway the race. Polls show the race is neck-and-neck, per the AP; someone needs to win more than half of the vote to take office.

Trump has publicly stayed neutral but previously tied his imposition of steep tariffs on Brazil to Jair Bolsonaro's coup-plot conviction; the son promises to free his father if elected. Other issues include crime, rising prices, and resentment of political elites. A 35-year-old Uber driver in Rio de Janeiro said Sunday that he'll leave his ballot blank. "Brazil needs a new candidate," Diogo Furtado said. "But unfortunately our country has become dominated by two names: Lula and Bolsonaro."