Right-winger Bolsonaro jumps to early lead in Brazil presidential battle

Right-wing Congressman Jair Bolsonaro jumped to an early lead in Brazil's presidential election as the first votes were counted on Sunday.

Right-wing Congressman Jair Bolsonaro jumped to an early lead in Brazil's presidential election as the first votes were counted on Sunday, but would still face a second-round runoff against leftist rival Fernando Haddad, according to official results.

With 52 per cent of votes counted, Bolsonaro had received 49 per cent of valid votes, far ahead of former Sao Paulo mayor Haddad's 26 per cent and 12 per cent for former Ceara governor Ciro Gomes. If none receive a majority of valid votes on Sunday, the two leading candidates will go to a second-round runoff on Oct. 28.