* Brazil's bitterly divisive presidential election will go to a runoff, electoral authorities confirmed late Sunday
* Jair Bolsonaro beat expectations to finish a relatively close second to front-runner Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
* Lula had 47.9 per cent of the vote to 43.7 per cent for Bolsonaro, with 97.2 per cent of stations reporting
* Millions of people across Brazil took to the polls Sunday to cast their votes in the hugely polarising election
Brazil's bitterly divisive presidential election will go to a runoff after far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro came in a close second to left-wing rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Electoral authorities confirmed the runoff election late Sunday night after President Bolsonaro beat expectations to finish a relatively close second to front-runner Lula.
Lula, the veteran leftist seeking a presidential comeback, had 47.9 per cent of the vote to 43.7 per cent for the far-right president with 97.2 per cent of polling stations reporting, according to official results from the Superior Electoral Tribunal, which said on its website a second round was now 'mathematically defined.'
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WNU Editor: The pollsters were predicting a Lula da Silva win in the first round by 10% - 15%. That definitely did not happen. Voting is also compulsory in Brazil, but apparently 20% did not vote. The pair will now face a second round on 30 October.
Brazil's Presidential Election Will Go To A Run-Off
Live: Brazil's presidential race goes to runoff as Bolsonaro, Lula neck and neck -- France 24
Brazil election: Lula overtakes Bolsonaro, heads to runoff — live updates -- DW
Bolsonaro, Lula headed to runoff after tight Brazil election -- AP
Brazil election: Lula and Bolsonaro to face run-off -- BBC
Brazil election: ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wins vote but not outright victory -- The Guardian
Da Silva and Bolsonaro to face each other in run-off Brazil election -- SKY News
Bolsonaro, Lula appear headed for runoff in Brazil race -- The Hill
Bolsonaro and Lula head to Brazil presidential runoff -- Axios