Lula secures fourth term in Brazil

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won re-election as Brazilian president on Sunday, according to the country's electoral court. With all votes counted, Lula received 51.8 percent of the ballots. He finished nearly 4.4 million votes ahead of challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. This result marks the end of a tight contest that saw the first-round loser secure the presidency for the first time since 1985.

Flávio Bolsonaro immediately rejected the outcome. He called for the results to be annulled, citing disorder at polling stations caused by a last-minute extension of voting hours. Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin issued the ruling three minutes before the scheduled 5 p.m. local closing time. Both campaigns requested the extension, citing logistical issues in their favored regions. It remained unclear how many stations actually stayed open, as some in Brasília and Rio de Janeiro closed near the original deadline.

Bolsonaro criticized Zanin, noting the justice previously served as Lula's lawyer. He accused Zanin of changing the rules mid-game and stated it was impossible to recognize the results. It is not yet clear if his complaint meets the legal threshold for annulment. Bolsonaro may request a recount if he provides evidence of fraud, though such a move might not change the final tally.

Lula addressed thousands of supporters in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. He promised to respect all Brazilians regardless of gender or religion. He described the victory as a defeat for denialism and lies. Lula also emphasized national independence, stating that Brazil will not accept being anyone's backyard. In Rio, car horns sounded and crowds cheered as the result was confirmed.

The victory runs counter to a regional trend of right-of-center, Trump-aligned candidates taking power. It suggests Brazil's economy, valued at 2.6 trillion US dollars annually, will continue to resist U.S. trade pressures. Lula had to overcome a 2.2 million vote deficit from the first round earlier this month. He reorganized his campaign to target young voters and expanded government initiatives to win undecided support.

Voters focused on cost of living and security during the race. Bolsonaro campaigned on tough crime policies and lower food prices. Lula spent heavily on incentives to attract undecided voters. Both candidates faced corruption suspicions involving relatives and allies. Lula is due to begin his fourth non-consecutive term on January 5, 2027. He, Donald Trump, and Daniel Ortega are the oldest presidents in the Americas, all aged 80.

A 51-year-old businessman in Rio, Rodrigo Valentim, said a new Lula government would hurt the economy. He claimed the country is collapsing. Lula's win secures his position until the next election cycle. The electoral court confirmed the final numbers after the extended voting period concluded. The next step is the official inauguration in January.