This is the most important election in Brazil since 1985, when military dictatorship was ended.

It’s all people talk about.

Many believe the future of the nation and its democracy is at stake – regardless of their political views.

Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, affectionately known as Lula, is the frontrunner for the presidency. He is joined by the incumbent Jair Bolsonaro .

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The polls were open in all parts of the country from 8am to 5pm (11pm to 9pm UK Time)

To avoid a second round on 30 October, a candidate must receive at least 50% of the votes today – and to secure the presidency.

According to the latest polling, Lula has a 14 point lead over Bolsonaro. This could give him an advantage in the first round. This is almost unheard of.

Lula, at 76, would win. This would be a remarkable comeback by the former president who was in prison in 2018 for corruption charges, which were later overturned.

Many believe that the charges were motivated by politics as Bolsonaro was his frontrunner in the 2018 presidential election.

“Four years ago, my vote was blocked because I had been lied to in this country. He said this today, while voting in Sao Paulo, that he was taken into federal police custody exactly on election day.

“And four years later I’m here, voting in the recognition of my total liberty and with the possibility to be president of the republic, this country again to try to bring it back to normality.”

Lula, a former worker in a factory and union leader, was elected to resign in 2010. His approval rating was close to 90%.

Bolsonaro for his part voted in Rio de Janeiro and stated that he “expects a victory today”.

He has repeatedly questioned Brazil’s electoral system, and has raised doubts among his supporters about a free and fair election.

He said, before voting, “If they’re clean elections, no problem. May the best win.”

Since his arrival over four years ago, Bolsonaro (67) has been a controversial figure in Brazilian politics.

Because of his government’s inept handling of the COVID-19 crises, his popularity has declined in recent years.

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He strongly denied the dangers from COVID and fought against lockdowns.

He also faced widespread international and national condemnation for his policies and attitude towards the Amazon rain forest.

Many see this election as one that will decide the future for the forest.

Bolsonaro gave farmers and miners unprecedented freedom to reduce trees at record-breaking rates under his leadership.

According to Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research, deforestation decreased by 65% during Lula’s presidency from 2002 to 2010.

There is a lot at stake, not least because nobody knows how President Bolsonaro will react to defeat, if the polls are correct and Lula wins today or later in the month.