Lula wins 51.8 percent of Brazil ballots, beating Flávio Bolsonaro by 4.4 million votes

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured 51.8 percent of the ballots in Sunday's runoff, finishing nearly 4.4 million votes ahead of challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. The electoral court confirmed the tally after counting every vote in the country.

The outcome marks Lula's fourth non-consecutive term as president. He is 81 years old and will turn 82 on Tuesday. His victory ends a period of uncertainty following a contentious first round earlier this month where Bolsonaro held a 2.2 million vote lead.

The race began with Bolsonaro in the lead after the first round. Lula's team reorganized its strategy to target young voters and undecided voters. They expanded government initiatives and campaigned on defending democratic values. Bolsonaro focused his message on crime and food prices.

Disorder at polling places on Sunday night complicated the final hours of voting. Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin issued a ruling three minutes before the scheduled 5 p.m. local closing time. The order kept polls open for two additional hours. Zanin responded to requests from both campaigns regarding logistics and weather issues.

Lula's team cited bus problems in São Paulo and Salvador, cities that favor the incumbent. Bolsonaro's team pointed to heavy rain in southern Brazil, a region where he is popular. It remained unclear how many stations stayed open late. Reporters observed some polls in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro closing shortly after the original deadline.

Flávio Bolsonaro declined to concede defeat immediately after the results were finalized. He called for the annulment of the results. He noted that Zanin previously served as Lula's lawyer and accused the justice of changing the rules mid-game. Bolsonaro stated it is impossible to recognize the results given the circumstances.

Lula addressed crowds in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro's Cinelândia Square to declare victory. He promised to respect all Brazilians regardless of gender or religion. He described the win as a defeat for denialism and lies. He emphasized national independence, saying the country will not accept being anyone's backyard.

The result runs counter to a regional trend of right-of-center, Trump-aligned candidates taking power. Brazil's economy, valued at 2.6 trillion US dollars annually, is expected to continue resisting U.S. pressure and higher tariffs. Lula has been a vocal critic of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Lula is scheduled to begin his new term on January 5, 2027. He and Trump, along with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, are the oldest presidents in the Americas, all aged 80. Legal experts noted it is unclear if Bolsonaro's complaint meets the threshold for annulment. A recount might be requested if evidence of fraud emerges.

Rodrigo Valentim, a 51-year-old businessman supporting Bolsonaro, expressed concern about the economic impact of another Lula administration. He told reporters the country is collapsing. Car horns sounded in Rio as the result was confirmed, marking the start of Lula's new term.