Lula Defeats Flavio Bolsonaro in Brazilian Runoff
The 80-year-old incumbent secured a fourth term after trailing in the first round, while his opponent vows to contest the legal basis of the extended voting hours.
By Nadia Singh ·
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the Brazilian presidential runoff on Sunday, defeating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.
The Superior Electoral Court announced Lula's victory shortly after 9pm Brasilia time. With the count still in progress, the incumbent held more than 51 percent of the vote and over 64 million ballots. Bolsonaro received 48 percent of the vote and more than 59 million ballots, leaving a gap of over 4 million votes.
This result marks the first time in modern Brazilian history that a candidate won a runoff after losing the initial round. Lula, who is 80 years old, will begin a fourth non-consecutive term on January 5, 2027. He will become the oldest president sworn in since Brazil returned to democracy.
At a podium decorated with flags, Lula spoke with a hoarse voice and a cough. He thanked voters for defending democracy and acknowledged the difficulty of working with the current legislature. "I do not choose the Congress," he said. "It was the people who chose it, and it is with them that I will vote, work and get things approved." His next term will face the most right-wing Congress in recent memory.
Flavio Bolsonaro refused to concede the defeat. He stated he would seek to annul the outcome, challenging a Supreme Court decision that extended voting by two hours. Polling stations remained open until 7pm Brasilia time. Bolsonaro accused the court of changing the rules during the election.
The extension followed reports of disruption and allegations of voter suppression. Public transport was suspended in some areas, prompting Lula's allies to accuse Bolsonaro supporters of limiting bus services to discourage working-class voters. Heavy rainfall also affected southern areas that are strongholds for Bolsonaro. Lula entered the runoff after receiving 45 percent of the vote in the October 4 first round, behind Bolsonaro's 47 percent.
Lula focused on living costs during the campaign. He promoted a constitutional amendment passed this month to shorten the workweek and raised the prospect of free public transport on weekends. He also banned online gambling and sports betting apps in September. The victory interrupts a series of presidential gains by the regional right in Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated Lula, while US Senator Bernie Sanders described the re-election as extraordinary.
