Brazil’s presidential election is entering a highly competitive phase, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro virtually tied in a hypothetical second-round matchup, according to a new AtlasIntel/Bloomberg poll

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The survey, conducted among 5,000 people between September 4 and 9, puts Flávio Bolsonaro at 46.4% and Lula at 46.2% in a simulated runoff. The result represents a significant change from a late-August poll, when Lula held a 47.1% to 42.6% advantage.

The narrowing contest comes just weeks before Brazil’s October 4 presidential election. Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has emerged as the main right-wing challenger to Lula and has been attracting strong support from conservative voters.

Political tensions have also increased around Brazil’s Supreme Court. Justice André Mendonça, appointed by Jair Bolsonaro, has become an increasingly influential figure among conservatives. His recent decision to suspend Brazil’s federal police chief was subsequently challenged by fellow Justice Flávio Dino, highlighting a growing dispute within the court.

Lula has separately said that Brazil should discuss the possibility of introducing term limits for Supreme Court justices, who currently serve without fixed terms. The proposal could become part of the broader political debate surrounding the judiciary and institutional reform.

With the presidential contest tightening and disagreements within the Supreme Court becoming more prominent, Brazil is heading toward an election that could have significant consequences for the country’s political and economic direction.