The final result won’t be known until later this month, but if the first round of Brazil’s election is any indication, it will soon become the latest Latin American country to turn back to conservatism after socialism led to crime, inflation, and stagnant economic growth. At a time when so many young Americans are tempted by the easy answers socialism offers, Latin America’s painful experience should serve as a warning of what the United States can still avoid.

Conservative candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, led socialist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 47% to 45%, in the first round of Brazil’s presidential election, setting up a runoff election that will be held Oct. 25. Considering how well Bolsonaro’s party performed in downballot races across the country, he is now the favorite to win round two.