Lula Secures Fourth Term as Flávio Bolsonaro Demands Vote Nullification
The 81-year-old incumbent defeated his opponent by 4.4 million votes in a run-off marred by a late polling station extension.
By Giulia Donovan ·
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva claimed victory in Sunday's presidential run-off, according to the country's electoral court. The ruling confirmed he received 51.8 percent of the final count, placing him nearly 4.4 million votes ahead of challenger Flávio Bolsonaro.
Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, rejected the outcome immediately. He called for the results to be annulled following a chaotic closing of polls. Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin ordered voting to remain open for two additional hours just three minutes before the standard 5 p.m. local deadline.
Zanin made the decision after both campaigns filed requests. Lula's team cited transit delays affecting buses in São Paulo and Salvador, while Bolsonaro's camp pointed to heavy rainfall in the south. It remained unclear how many stations stayed open late. Associated Press reporters observed polling places in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro closing near the original deadline.
Bolsonaro criticized Zanin, noting the justice once served as Lula's lawyer. He accused the court of changing the rules mid-game and stated that recognizing the results was impossible given the circumstances. Legal experts note it is unclear if his complaint meets the threshold for annulment. He may seek a recount if he presents evidence of fraud.
Lula addressed thousands of supporters in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro's Cinelândia Square. He thanked voters and promised to respect all Brazilians regardless of gender or religion. He declared the win a defeat for denialism and affirmed national independence. Rodrigo Valentim, a 51-year-old businessman supporting Bolsonaro, warned that another Lula government would hurt the economy and called the country collapsing.
The result reverses a regional trend of right-of-centre candidates aligning with Washington. Brazil, with a GDP of 2.6 trillion US dollars, will continue to resist U.S. tariffs under Lula's leadership. The incumbent faces a challenging path ahead, having trailed by more than 2.2 million votes in the first round earlier this month.
Sunday's outcome marks the first time since 1985 that the second-place finisher in the first round won the presidency. Voters prioritized cost of living and security during the campaign. Lula is set to begin his fourth non-consecutive term on Jan. 5, 2027.
