Senator Flávio Bolsonaro leads Brazil's election — Anadolu Agency

In Brazil, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro is leading the presidential election according to preliminary vote-counting results. According to Anadolu Agency, Bolsonaro has 49.58% of the vote, while incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has 42.25%.

More than 64% of votes counted

These preliminary figures were released by Brazil's Superior Electoral Court after 64.81% of votes were counted. Counting began after polling stations closed, while voters who were already standing in line at that time were allowed to vote.

More than 158.7 million voters were eligible to take part in the vote. Elections for governors, senators and members of the Chamber of Deputies were held in the country simultaneously with the presidential election.

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A possible second round

Lula da Silva, who is 80, is seeking to win a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term after returning to the office of head of state in 2023. His rival, Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is 45.

To win in the first round, a candidate must receive more than 50% of valid votes. If this does not happen, the two candidates will advance to a second round scheduled for October 25.

The campaign took place amid deep political polarization and tensions between Lula da Silva's supporters and the Bolsonaro camp. Campaign issues included Brazil's relations with the United States and claims of possible foreign interference.