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Brazilians vote in key city polls Lula setback in Brazil city poll
(29 minutes later)
Voting has finished in the second round of Brazil's local elections, regarded as an important test for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's Workers' Party. The right-wing mayor of Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo, has been re-elected in what is seen as a blow to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Voters were choosing mayors and councillors across the country. Gilberto Kassab of the Democrat Party defeated the ruling Workers' party candidate, Marta Suplicy, in a run-off.
The Workers' Party won in many cities in the first round, but appeared poised to lose a mayoral run-off in Sao Paulo. Correspondents say Mr Kassab's win will help a presidential poll bid by his ally, state governor Jose Serra.
Meanwhile in Rio de Janeiro, a centrist backed by President Lula, Eduardo Paes, beat ex-revolutionary Fernando Gabeira.
A Workers' Party candidate also won in the key south-eastern city of Belo Horizonte.
Voters chose mayors and councillors in run-offs across the country. The Workers' Party won in many cities in the first round.
Brazilian mayors are powerful figures, and the elections are seen as an indicator of who may succeed President Lula when he steps down in 2010.Brazilian mayors are powerful figures, and the elections are seen as an indicator of who may succeed President Lula when he steps down in 2010.
Brazil's constitution limits the president to two consecutive terms and the PT has yet to select a candidate for the presidential election.Brazil's constitution limits the president to two consecutive terms and the PT has yet to select a candidate for the presidential election.
In Sao Paulo, opinion polls suggested conservative incumbent Gilberto Kassab is far ahead of Marta Suplicy of the Workers' Party.
The party is also contesting run-offs in Rio De Janeiro and the south-eastern city of Belo Horizonte.
Campaigning for the elections centred on crime, unemployment, health care and education.Campaigning for the elections centred on crime, unemployment, health care and education.