Brasília:Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro has edged ahead of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva by one percentage point in voter intentions, according to a recent Quaest poll. The survey, released by the Brazilian news portal UOL, shows Bolsonaro with 45% of voter preferences compared to Lula's 44%, placing them in a technical tie within the poll's two percentage point margin of error.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the nationwide survey involved 2,154 voters aged 16 and older and was conducted from October 17 to 20. It was commissioned by TV Globo and registered with Brazil's Superior Electoral Court. The results indicate a narrowing of Bolsonaro's lead from the previous Quaest survey on October 14, where he had 46% support to Lula's 44%.

The poll also revealed that 9% of respondents plan to cast blank or invalid ballots or abstain from voting, while 2% remain undecided. In a spontaneous voting survey, both candidates received 40% of responses, with 14% undecided and 6% intending to cast blank or invalid ballots.

The upcoming runoff, scheduled for October 25, follows the first round on October 4, where Bolsonaro garnered 47.3% of valid votes and Lula 45.2%. Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is contesting to succeed Lula in the presidency, with both candidates vying for a significant role in Brazil's future.

The election is under international scrutiny, given Brazil's economic significance and diplomatic influence in Latin America. The incoming president will face challenges including economic growth, public security, and Brazil's international stance. While Lula aims for a fourth non-consecutive term, Bolsonaro seeks to establish his political family's leadership following his father's 2022 defeat.