Il Nuovo Postiglione - Lula, Bolsonaro set for first debate showdown in bitter election race

Bolsonaro, 45, son of the far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, secured a shock first-round lead over Lula earlier this month, defying poll predictions.

Sunday evening's televised debate is expected to be pivotal in an election race marked by scandals and insults that is likely to go down to the wire.

Ahead of the showdown, tens of thousands of supporters of Lula and Bolsonaro gathered in cities around the country.

In Sao Paulo, tens of thousands of people dressed in the yellow and green of the Brazilian flag rallied for Flavio Bolsonaro, who made his way down Paulista Avenue on the back of a truck.

"Only seven days left until we rid Brazil of the PT," Bolsonaro shouted, referring to Lula's Workers' Party.

The crowd chanted "Come back, Bolsonaro!" underscoring Jair Bolsonaro's enduring support among Brazil's conservatives, despite the former president serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest for plotting a coup after his failed 2022 election bid.

"The country is in a state of calamity. To make ends meet or buy anything, you have to work two or three jobs just to pay the bills," said Sara Machado, 36, wearing a T-shirt with the slogan: "Right-wing. With pride."

"I believe in change, in a better country, with Flavio Bolsonaro, because we've already experienced 20 years of a government defined by corruption... I want to try something new," said 35-year-old bank employee Renan Pinhata.

The rally drew about 71,000 people, according to monitors at the University of Sao Paulo.

While Bolsonaro has led in polls since the first round, his edge slightly narrowed in two polls this week which showed him with 51 percent of voting intentions compared to 49 percent for Lula.

- Swimmers and singers for Lula -

In Rio de Janeiro, swimmers at Praia Vermelha arranged themselves in the water to spell out Lula's name.

"I think this is the most important election in Brazil's history. Re-electing Lula is essential. Flavio Bolsonaro is part of an authoritarian, fascist family clan. It's essential that everyone takes to the streets and supports Lula's candidacy," said Marcel Bosa, 61.

Later, on Copacabana Beach, iconic octogenarian singer Caetano Veloso led a "rally for democracy" in favor of the president.

Fabiana Leite, a 51-year-old nurse and social worker, said Lula's social welfare programs saved her after she was wrongly incarcerated, lost custody of her daughters, and had to rebuild her life after being freed.

"You might have the desire to fight and to grow, but without the means, without social programs, it's just not possible. That is why I am here, continuing the fight," she told AFP.

Thousands of Lula supporters also rallied in the capital Brasilia.

After a lackluster first-round campaign by the left, students and social movements have swarmed the streets protesting the possibility of another far-right government under the rallying cry "Never Again Bolsonaro."

In Lula's camp, there is an atmosphere of "restrained hope" and awareness that a very tough battle lies ahead, a government source said Friday, requesting anonymity.

On the cusp of turning 81, Lula shook up his campaign for the second round, enlisting young leftist influencers to advise him on his social media strategy, and began shooting video selfies in a bid to connect with voters.

- 'Electoral opportunism' -

Lula has unleashed a flurry of measures to win over voters.

On Wednesday, Congress approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing two days of paid rest per week instead of one, a campaign pledge by Lula that will benefit millions of workers.

Lula has also pledged debt forgiveness for microentrepreneurs, university scholarships and the removal of fuel taxes.

Critics have slammed him for costly promises as Brazil is already battling soaring public debt.

Bolsonaro has doubled down on his tough-on-crime message at a time when security is voters' main concern, and has also vowed to free his jailed father.

E.Accardi--INP