Key facts
- President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro are in a technical tie for a potential runoff in Brazil's presidential election.
- A Nexus poll shows Lula with 46% support and Bolsonaro with 45% in a simulated second-round runoff.
- In a first-round scenario, Lula leads with 41% of the votes, followed by Bolsonaro at 37%.
- The Brazilian government is considering measures to limit the use of independent contractors.
- These measures aim to reduce the pension deficit and enhance worker social security protection.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro are in a technical tie for a potential runoff in the upcoming October presidential election, according to a Nexus poll commissioned by BTG Pactual. The poll surveyed 2,006 people between August 21-23, showing Lula with 46% support and Bolsonaro with 45% in a simulated second-round runoff. In a first-round scenario, Lula leads with 41% of the votes, followed by Bolsonaro at 37%. The government is also evaluating mechanisms to curb the use of independent contractors, which could minimize Brazil's pension deficit and provide higher social security protection for workers. Finance Minister Dario Durigan suggested that firms with a high percentage of workers hired as legal entities might be required to make social security contributions. Durigan also advocated for a corporate taxation review.