Bolsonaro loses absolute majority as Brazil's presidential vote count continues

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has lost his absolute majority in the country's presidential election, according to partial results, with 64.81% of electronic ballots processed so far.

The figures, reported as vote counting continued, indicate a shift in Bolsonaro's standing compared with earlier stages of the count, though the final outcome will depend on the remaining ballots still to be tallied.

Brazil's electoral system requires a candidate to secure more than 50% of valid votes to win outright in the first round; falling short of that threshold would typically trigger a runoff between the top two candidates.

Electoral authorities continued processing the remaining ballots, with final results expected once counting is complete.

Background

Bolsonaro has been a central and polarising figure in Brazilian politics in recent years, with his campaigns and tenure marked by sharp divisions among voters. The presidential race has drawn significant domestic and international attention given Brazil's size and influence in South America.

Brazil uses an electronic voting system for its national elections, with results reported progressively as ballots from polling stations across the country and abroad are processed and tabulated by electoral authorities.

Further updates on the final vote tally, and on whether a second-round runoff will be required, are expected as counting nears completion.