Lula wins fourth term as Bolsonaro vows legal fight

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the Brazilian presidential runoff on Sunday, securing his fourth term in office. The Superior Electoral Court declared the incumbent the winner shortly after 9 p.m. Brasilia time. Lula captured more than 51 percent of the vote, totaling over 64 million ballots. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro received 48 percent, or more than 59 million votes. The margin of victory exceeded four million votes.

The first round took place on October 4. Bolsonaro led that count with 47 percent of the vote, while Lula trailed at 45 percent. In the weeks following the initial ballot, Lula campaigned on living costs. He highlighted a constitutional amendment that shortened the workweek. He also promoted the idea of free public transport on weekends. The incumbent entered the runoff with a deficit but managed to reverse the trend.

Polling stations remained open until 7 p.m. Brasilia time on Sunday. The Supreme Court extended voting hours by two at the request of both campaigns. Disruption and allegations of voter suppression prompted the change. Reports indicated that public transport services were suspended in some areas. Lula’s allies accused Bolsonaro supporters of limiting bus services to discourage working-class voters. Heavy rainfall also affected southern regions that are typically strongholds for the right.

Flavio Bolsonaro refused to concede the election. He stated he would seek to annul the outcome. The senator challenged the Supreme Court decision to extend voting hours, arguing that the court changed the rules during the election. He said he could not accept the result based on those procedural changes.

Lula is scheduled to take office on January 5, 2027. At 80 years old, he will surpass his own record as the oldest president sworn in since Brazil’s return to democracy. He became the first politician in modern Brazilian history to win a runoff after losing the opening round. Speaking at a podium decorated with flags, Lula acknowledged the legislative challenges ahead. He noted, “I do not choose the Congress,” adding that he would work with the people who elected it.

The victory interrupts a series of presidential gains by the regional right in countries including Peru, Colombia, and Argentina. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated Lula on his win. US Senator Bernie Sanders described the re-election as extraordinary. Relations with Washington remain a source of uncertainty for the new term.

The Trump administration supported the Bolsonaro family last year. It imposed 50 percent tariffs on certain Brazilian products to halt the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Judges involved in the case also faced sanctions. Donald Trump Jr. criticized the voting extension on social media, suggesting judicial malpractice. US Representative Ro Khanna urged the president to respect the outcome and refrain from undermining Brazil’s elections.