The main focus is on Sao Paulo, where current Mayor Ricardo Nunes (Brazilian Democratic Movement), backed by former President Jair Bolsonaro, faces Guilherme Boulos, candidate of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL) supported by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

This race is one of the most watched because of its narrow margin and political relevance. Sao Paulo, as the country’s financial center, is a crucial bastion for both the left and the right.

Lula’s bet to boost Boulos is part of a broader strategy to consolidate the left’s influence in the most populous city in Brazil and Latin America, and to position the PSOL as a key ally in long-term projects.

Also the contest between Nunes and Boulos represents a battle between two opposing visions for the future of the city.

According to the polls, in this second round the result of the first (October 6) will be repeated, with the center and right-wing parties winning in most of the city councils and the Liberal Party, a political organization headed by Bolsonaro with more victories than the Workers Party, led by Lula.

Analysts believe that the electoral process comes at a time of high expectations and polarization, given the political and social context that has characterized recent years.

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