Tight Polls in Brazil as Lula and Bolsonaro Face Off Under Trump's Shadow

A late survey gives incumbent President Lula a three-point lead over Flávio Bolsonaro, as relations with Donald Trump take center stage in the high-stakes election.

A poll released on the eve of voting in Brazil gave incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva 45 percent of voting intentions, compared to 42 percent for his rival, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, Radio-Canada and France 24 reported. According to France 24, nearly 160 million eligible voters were called to cast ballots in the crucial contest.

Ties to the US administration under Donald Trump have emerged as a central dividing line in the race. While Lula warned that Brazil's national sovereignty is at stake amid pressure from Washington, Bolsonaro highlighted his close ties to the White House, arguing that Brazil needs improved trade pacts with the US, including over its rare mineral reserves. Official election results have not yet been released.