SAO PAULO — Brazil’s electoral court confirmed Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won an unprecedented fourth term as president on Sunday, defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a tightly contested runoff. Final results showed Lula securing 51.76% of valid votes to Bolsonaro’s 48.24%, according to the Superior Electoral Court, with 99.83% of ballots counted.
The victory marks a dramatic reversal for Lula, who trailed Bolsonaro in the first round and faced skepticism over his age, past corruption allegations, and policy record. His win blocks a rightward shift in Latin America and preserves left-of-center leadership in Brazil and Mexico, countering a regional trend favoring Trump-aligned candidates.
Chaotic election day and legal disputes
Polling stations remained open for two extra hours after Brazil’s Supreme Court justice Cristiano Zanin—a former Lula lawyer—ordered an extension, citing reduced public transportation in Bahia state. The decision triggered Bolsonaro’s campaign to allege irregularities, while some voters reported being unable to cast ballots after machines were deactivated. At one Rio de Janeiro polling station, accountant Manuela Tunas arrived after 6 p.m. but could not vote due to the closure of her location’s machines.
Policy divides and international implications
The runoff highlighted stark contrasts between the candidates on key issues:
- Social welfare: Lula emphasized his track record of reducing poverty and inequality during his prior terms, while Bolsonaro pledged to cut welfare spending and pardon his imprisoned father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after the 2022 election.
- Foreign relations: Lula positioned himself as a critic of U.S. President Donald Trump, warning Bolsonaro would align Brazil more closely with Washington. Bolsonaro’s campaign framed the election as a choice between sovereignty and subservience to U.S. interests.
- Environmental policy: Lula highlighted record-low deforestation during his previous administration, while Bolsonaro’s supporters accused him of overreach in Amazon protections.
Economic and political challenges ahead
Lula’s victory comes as Brazil faces economic strain, including a public debt crisis and a Congress dominated by Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party. The iShares MSCI Brazil ETF dropped nearly 20% following the announcement, reflecting investor uncertainty. Analysts note Lula’s ability to govern will depend on coalition-building in a fragmented legislature.
Supporters of Lula gathered in cities across Brazil, celebrating in Rio de Janeiro’s Laranjeiras neighborhood with World Cup-like scenes. Leftist federal lawmaker Erika Hilton called Lula a "statesman" during the vote count in São Paulo. Bolsonaro’s campaign has not conceded but has signaled plans to challenge the results legally.
Historical context and Lula’s legacy
The 80-year-old Lula, a former metalworker and union leader, has overcome multiple setbacks, including a 2018–2019 imprisonment on corruption charges later overturned. His 2022 defeat of Jair Bolsonaro marked the first time a Brazilian incumbent lost reelection since redemocratization. This victory cements his status as the most dominant figure in Brazilian politics this century, despite criticism over rising prices and corruption scandals during his prior terms.
Pollsters attributed Lula’s win to higher-than-expected turnout, with Leonardo Barreto of Think Policy noting voters chose "a known path, which guarantees certain rights" over Bolsonaro’s untested agenda. The election drew international attention for its implications on democracy, Amazon conservation, and regional geopolitics.