In Brazil, a run-off vote is scheduled for October 29 between president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Geraldo Alckmin. During the first round of voting Lula won just under 49 percent of the vote. Alckmin won about 42 percent. Lula is the former union leader who swept to power four years ago on a populist platform but his popularity has decreased following a series of political scandals.