Lula wins fourth term against Bolsonaro

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won his fourth non-consecutive term as Brazilian president on Sunday. The incumbent defeated right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in a tight second-round contest. Brazil's Superior Electoral Court reported that Lula received 51.78% of valid votes. Bolsonaro captured 48.22% of the total.

Weather and technical problems complicated the election process. Heavy rain and transport disruptions prevented some voters from reaching polling stations. The country extended voting hours by two hours past the standard 7 pm local time. The extension ran until 10 pm GMT.

Senator Flavio Bolsonaro announced he would challenge the results. He stated that his legal team would seek to annul the election. Bolsonaro cited the Supreme Court's decision to extend voting hours as the primary reason for the challenge. He claimed the rules of the game were arbitrarily changed by Lula's allies on the Federal Supreme Court. Reports indicate that both candidates had requested the extension due to the adverse conditions.

This victory marks a first in modern Brazilian history. Lula is the first presidential candidate to lose the first round of voting and then win the second round. His reelection counters a recent trend of right-wing political gains across Latin America. Several conservative governments have taken power in the region in recent years.

Lula's term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027. Throughout his political career, he has pursued closer cooperation with emerging economies. He has prioritized poverty reduction, social spending, and environmental protection. His foreign policy stance contrasts with Bolsonaro's. Lula has criticized Israel and the United States while calling for Palestinian statehood. He has also supported stronger ties with Iran and China.

In his victory speech, Lula told supporters he would deliver the best term any president has ever served. He said he would dedicate himself 24 hours a day to making Brazil the country everyone dreams of. Lula emphasized national sovereignty, stating that Brazil defeated outside interference. He declared that Brazil is no one's back yard.

International figures have supported the result. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, United States Senator Bernie Sanders, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have all backed Lula's win. Other regional leaders have also offered their support for the incumbent's reelection.