After a heated election campaign, Brazilians head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president.

Right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro faces a challenge from left-wing former president (2003-2010) Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Mr Da Silva is clearly ahead in the polls, but Mr Bolsonaro has cast doubts on the electoral system in advance and indicated that he might not recognise the result.

The election has divided Latin America’s largest economy.

Mr Da Silva has accused Mr Bolsonaro of “genocide” because of his hesitant COVID-19 policy, while Mr Bolsonaro calls Mr Da Silva a “thief” as the former president has been convicted for corruption and spent time in prison.

At least three supporters of Mr Da Silva have been killed by suspected supporters of the incumbent president in recent months.

Mr Bolsonaro’s supporters have repeatedly openly called for a military coup.

More than 156 million people are eligible to vote in Sunday’s presidential election.

MPs, senators, and governors are also being elected. Voting is compulsory.

If none of the presidential candidates receives more than 50 per cent of the votes in the first ballot, the two strongest candidates will meet in a run-off on October 30.

(dpa/NAN)