Lula wins 51.78 percent of votes to keep Brazilian presidency

Brazilian voters confirmed the return of incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to the office, with final tallies showing him receiving 51.78 percent of valid votes. His opponent, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, secured the remaining 48.22 percent. The Superior Electoral Court confirmed the results late on Sunday night, marking Lula's fourth non-consecutive term in office.

The path to this result involved disruptions that extended the voting window. Heavy rain and technical issues forced polling stations to remain open for two additional hours past the scheduled 7:00 pm local time closing. The Supreme Court approved the extension after both campaigns requested it, citing transport problems that prevented some voters from reaching their stations.

Flavio Bolsonaro has pledged to challenge the outcome, specifically targeting the decision to extend voting. He stated, "We will engage our legal team and seek to have these elections annulled," arguing that the rules were changed arbitrarily by Lula's allies on the Federal Supreme Court. This legal threat contrasts with reports that the losing side also participated in the request for the extra time.

This victory represents a first in modern Brazilian history, as Lula became the first candidate to lose the initial round and then win the runoff. His success also runs counter to a regional trend where conservative governments have recently taken power in other Latin American nations.

Lula's new term begins on January 5, 2027. His administration has focused on poverty reduction, social spending, and environmental protection, while pursuing closer ties with emerging economies like China and Iran. He has also maintained a critical stance toward the United States and Israel, advocating for Palestinian statehood.

Speaking to supporters after the count, Lula vowed to "deliver the best term any president has ever served" and dedicated himself to making Brazil "the country that everyone dreams of." He framed the win as a rejection of outside interference, stating, "Brazil is no one's back yard."

International figures have sent congratulations to Lula, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.