Brazil's Lula head for runoff

Brazil's president didn't get the easy victory that polls had shown he would, so he'll face Geraldo Alckmin in a presidential runoff.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, or Lula as he's popularly known, received just less than the 50 percent needed to win on the first ballot. Alckmin got 41.4 percent of the vote.

Brazil has been mired in political controversy, with Lula's party accused of dirty tricks during the campaign, including an apparent attempt to buy a dossier filled with information about Alckmin.

It caused the resignation of Lula's campaign manager just a few weeks before the polls and it was a blow for a president who had strong popularity, especially among the impoverished masses where his social programs have been applauded.

And Lula, at the last minute, pulled out of a presidential debate set for two days before the polls, fearing personal attacks from the other candidates. It was another piece of controversy for voters to mull over at the polling booth.

The runoff will take place on Oct. 29.