Lola gets opponents’ support before the run-off

After narrowly winning Brazil’s leftist former head of state Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the first round of the presidential election, the Democratic Action Party (PDT) led by fourth-placed Cerro Gomez Lula has pledged its support. “We have made a decision to support whoever is closest to us,” party leader Carlos Lupe said today, as he appeared in a video posted on social media.

Right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro means retreat. On October 30 there will be a run-off between Lula and Bolsonaro. PDT candidate Gomez said in a video that he was following his party’s decision. A statement from the Social Democratic Party (PSDB), which backed third-place finisher Simon Tibet, was also expected for today. The Social Liberal candidate received 4.2 percent of the vote on Sunday, with Gomez receiving 3 percent.

According to experts, potential voters of the two decided in favor of Bolsonaro shortly before the first round. The incumbent received support from the important Governor of Minas Gerais, Romeo Zima, on Tuesday. “Lula will have to get closer than ever in the second round,” political scientist Luciana Vega told Folha de São Paulo newspaper.