Lula Wins Tight Brazil Runoff Over Flávio Bolsonaro
Brazil resumed counting votes in its presidential runoff after a Supreme Court justice extended polling hours by two hours. The ruling came three minutes before polls were set to close.
Both campaigns asked for the extension, citing blocked buses and heavy rain.
75 Salvador city buses were kept in garages; a judge ordered an official's arrest.
Some polling stations had already closed before the order reached them.
2.2 million votes separated the candidates in the first round, with Bolsonaro ahead.
Why it matters: Nearly 160 million Brazilians were eligible to vote in a race polls showed as even. The late extension sets up possible legal challenges whoever wins.
A Bolsonaro win would follow Trump-allied victories in Chile, Peru and Colombia.
Bolsonaro's father is imprisoned for an attempted coup after losing in 2022.
Lula Wins Tight Brazil Runoff Over Flávio BolsonaroYou are hereLatest
How 30 sources split on this story
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Coverage by lean% of 30 sources
30 sources · 49 articles · 46% Center coverage
Where they split: The dispute is whether Zanin, Lula's former lawyer, extended voting to protect access or to tilt the outcome.
Center coverage, 14 sources: The center sees a chaotic, procedurally messy extension requested by both camps that invites legal fights regardless of outcome.
Right coverage, 8 sources: The right sees a justice who once defended Lula in court extending voting to help him, calling it an attempt to steal the election.