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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured an unprecedented fourth presidential term, defeating Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested runoff election.
Mariyam Adheela
Lula da Silva celebrates with his team following his victory in Brazil’s presidential election -- Photo: Lula Official
BRASÍLIA, Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won Brazil’s presidential election, securing a fourth term after defeating opposition candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in Sunday’s runoff.
The 80-year-old leader received 51.79 per cent of valid votes, while Bolsonaro secured 48.21 per cent, according to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court. The result was announced on October 25, following a closely fought campaign.
Lula’s victory marks an unusual comeback after he finished behind Bolsonaro in the first round of voting on October 4. The president regained ground during the three-week campaign period before the runoff.
Lula previously served as president from 2003 to 2010 before returning to office in January 2023. His latest victory makes him the first Brazilian president elected to four terms by popular vote since the country returned to democracy in 1985.
His campaign focused on reducing poverty and inequality, protecting social welfare programmes and improving workers’ rights. The election also highlighted the deep political divisions between his supporters and the conservative movement associated with the Bolsonaro family.
Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, has not accepted the result and has threatened to challenge it over the extension of voting hours, Reuters reported.
Lula’s next term is expected to face challenges from a conservative-leaning Congress, as well as concerns over economic growth, public debt and the cost of living.
The president-elect is scheduled to begin his new term on January 5, 2027. His victory is also expected to influence political relations across Latin America, where right-wing parties have made gains in several recent elections.
