SÃO PAULO: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a fourth term on Sunday, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested election runoff that his opponent refused to accept.
Lula secured 51.79% of valid votes, while Bolsonaro got 48.21%, according to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE). His victory margin reached approximately 4.4 million votes after officials completed the count.
The 80-year-old president overturned a narrow first-round defeat earlier in October. He became the first candidate since Brazil’s return to democracy in the 1980s to win a presidential runoff after finishing second in the opening round.
Supporters celebrated across São Paulo as Lula addressed a gathering following the announcement. “This election was a defeat for denialism,” Lula told supporters, describing the outcome as a victory for democracy.
Bolsonaro, 45, rejected the result and announced plans to seek its annulment. He challenged Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin’s decision to extend voting hours by two hours.
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The senator argued that changing voting arrangements on Election Day was unacceptable. His campaign also requested an extension, though he did not mention it in his speech.
Voter participation improved in the runoff. Abstention fell to 19.21% from 21.08% in the first round, helping Lula recover ground against his rival.
Health Minister Alexandre Padilha welcomed the victory, arguing that voters had defended public healthcare, education and environmental protections.
Lula previously governed Brazil for two consecutive terms after his first presidential victory in 2002. He returned to office after defeating former President Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 election.
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Flávio’s defeat dealt another setback to the Bolsonaro family. His father is serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup after losing power.
International leaders congratulated Lula. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Brazilian voters, while Paraguayan President Santiago Peña welcomed the democratic process.
