Lula secures 51.78% in Brazilian runoff, clinching fourth presidential term

Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court confirmed on Sunday night that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured a fourth non-consecutive term. The tally showed Lula receiving 51.78 percent of valid votes against 48.22 percent for his opponent, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro. This marks a decisive end to a closely contested runoff election held across the country.

Technical issues and heavy rainfall disrupted voting procedures on election day. Polls, originally scheduled to close at 7 pm local time (10 pm GMT), remained open for two extra hours. The Supreme Court approved the extension, citing transport disruptions and downpours that prevented some voters from reaching their designated stations.

Senator Flavio Bolsonaro announced his intention to contest the result, attributing the delay to an arbitrary shift in rules. “We will engage our legal team and seek to have these elections annulled,” Bolsonaro stated. “I will not accept that the rules of the game have been arbitrarily changed, once again, by Lula’s friends on the Federal Supreme Court.” However, reports indicate that both campaigns requested the extension due to the severe weather conditions.

The outcome represents a first in modern Brazilian political history. Lula is the first presidential candidate to lose the initial round of voting and subsequently win the second. His victory also runs counter to a regional trend where conservative governments have recently taken power in several Latin American nations. Lula is scheduled to begin his new term on 5 January 2027.

Lula’s political platform emphasizes poverty reduction, social spending, and environmental protection. He has prioritized cooperation with emerging economies and national sovereignty. In foreign policy, he has criticized Israel and the United States while calling for Palestinian statehood. He has also advocated for stronger ties with Iran and China, distinguishing his approach from that of his predecessor.

Speaking to supporters after the result, Lula pledged to dedicate himself fully to the role. “I will dedicate myself 24 hours a day to making this the country that everyone dreams of,” he said. He emphasized that the election defeated outside interference, adding, “Brazil is no one’s back yard.”

Leaders from across the region have extended their congratulations. Among those who sent messages of support are Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, United States Senator Bernie Sanders, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. These figures represent a range of international actors who have followed the Brazilian election closely.