Head-to-head race in Brazil: Lula and Bolsonaro tied Northern Ireland faces uncertain future – terrorist group investigates ceasefire

In Brazil’s presidential election, left-wing ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro fought a neck-and-neck race after partial results. After counting more than 60 percent of polling stations, Bolsonaro received 50.08 percent of the vote on Sunday, his challenger Lula 49.92 percent. Lula had won the first round on October 2 – albeit much narrower than expected after the polls. After that, the race was considered fully open again.

For months, the election campaign was marked by serious mutual accusations and false information disseminated on the Internet. Both candidates fought to the end for every vote. President Bolsonaro repeatedly questioned the electoral system and indicated he might not recognize the result. Some of his supporters blatantly called for a military coup.

The elections have major implications beyond Brazil’s borders. As a huge carbon reservoir, the Amazon plays an important role in the fight against global climate change. Given the tense energy and food markets caused by the war in Ukraine, Brazil, with its vast natural resources, is also an important trading partner. (sda/dpa)