FORMER Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s poll ratings were boosted a further 5 per cent on Monday after the withdrawal of Joao Doria from the presidential elections. 

Lula is the runaway leader in the race for the presidency with the latest FSB/BTG poll putting him on 46 per cent of the vote. Incumbent Jair Bolsonaro trails in second place on 32 per cent. 

Mr Doria won the presidential primary for the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) but was pressured to drop out of the running as he trailed in fourth place. 

“I leave the race with my feelings hurt but a light heart,” he said after he announced his withdrawal last week. 

Some polls have put Lula on 51 per cent of the vote which would mean an outright victory in the first round. 

Managing partner of the FSB Research Institute Marcelo Tokarski said the withdrawal of candidates from the so-called “third way” reinforced the polarisation between Lula and Mr Bolsonaro. 

“When [former justice minister Miguel] Moro left, Bolsonaro grew. Now, with Doria’s departure, it was Lula’s turn to gain ground,” he said.

Second round voting simulations showed Lula on 54 per cent, 19 points ahead of Mr Bolsonaro on 35 per cent. 

Voting takes place on October 2.