Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reacts to preliminary results from the country's general election on Sunday, October 4 in Sao Paulo.

The Workers' Party leader is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, facing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and his main challenger. The election follows a closely contested campaign centered on the economy, public security, social programmes and workers' rights.

Nearly 159 million Brazilians are eligible to vote, with ballots counted electronically and results released as they are tallied. A candidate must secure more than 50 per cent of valid votes to win the presidency outright. Otherwise, the two leading candidates will face each other in a runoff on October 25.