Brazil’s Lula and Bolsonaro close campaigns ahead of critical election

Key Points:

• Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro have concluded their campaigns ahead of Sunday's first-round presidential vote, both expressing confidence in winning.
• Lula held a large closing rally in Sao Paulo, framing the election as a choice between "democracy and barbarism" and warning against US interference, while Bolsonaro led a motorcycle caravan and rally in Rio de Janeiro, echoing his father's campaign style.
• Polls indicate Lula maintains a lead but with a narrowing margin, making a first-round victory unlikely and pointing to a probable run-off on October 25 between the two candidates.
• Bolsonaro faces investigations related to a film-funding scandal and has pledged to seek his father's release from prison if elected, while also casting doubt on the integrity of Brazil's electronic voting system.
• Alongside the presidential race, Brazilian voters will also elect lawmakers, governors, and senators in the elections taking place on Sunday.