A coin-flip runoff

Brazil votes on Sunday, and the presidential runoff is now too close to call. A week and a half ago, Flávio Bolsonaro was the clear favorite. Since then, street mobilization and an unprecedented grassroots campaign have helped Lula close the gap. In our final episode before the vote, Gustavo Ribeiro and James Green (Brown University, Washington Brazil Office) break down the chaotic Band debate, where Flávio dodged every question and went after Lula on style. They ask what a Flávio presidency would mean for Bolsa Família, universities, the environment, and Indigenous rights, given that his budget plans don’t add up. They also look at the risks around the result itself, from hundreds of relocated polling sites in Lula-leaning areas to Meta’s reduced reach for pro-Lula content. Follow the results live with Gustavo, James, and guest experts on Sunday, October 25, at 5 pm Brasília time (4 pm ET / 9 pm Paris).