Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a historic fourth presidential term, defeating Senator Flávio Bolsonaro with 51.75% of the vote, according to the country’s electoral authorities.
The 80-year-old incumbent secured victory with 98.76% of the votes counted, while Bolsonaro, the son of jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro, received 48.25%.
Lula first contested the presidency in 1989 but secured his first victory in 2002, followed by another win in 2006. He returned to office in 2022 after a political hiatus that included 580 days in prison.
The latest victory marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s political history, as Lula staged a comeback after trailing in the first round of voting on October 4.
Lula Revamps Campaign After First-Round Setback
Lula initially trailed Bolsonaro by approximately 2.2 million votes. Following the first round, he reorganised his campaign, intensified public rallies and reached out to younger voters.
His campaign focused heavily on the record of former president Jair Bolsonaro, with rallies carrying the slogan “Never Again Bolsonaro”. Supporters highlighted concerns over the previous administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, cuts to public programmes and deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
Lula also adopted a more active social media strategy, purchasing a smartphone to take selfies and record videos with supporters. Campaign volunteers conducted door-to-door outreach in an effort to persuade undecided voters.
These efforts helped the incumbent narrow the gap and secure victory in the second round.
Voting Extension Sparks Political Tensions
The election also witnessed controversy over voting hours. Lula’s campaign approached Brazil’s Supreme Court, arguing that public transportation difficulties had prevented some voters from reaching polling stations and requesting an extension.
Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin approved a two-hour extension, allowing voting to continue until 7 pm local time. Vote counting, which had already begun, was paused while polling continued.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign had also sought extensions in certain areas affected by heavy rainfall but criticised the nationwide extension. Pro-Bolsonaro lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira responded to the decision in a post on X, writing: “Either we win. Or we win. Consider yourself warned.”
Lula to Begin Fourth Term in January 2027
Following the announcement of the results, Lula’s supporters gathered in São Paulo, where the president was expected to address the crowd.
His fourth presidential term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027, extending the political career of a leader who first sought Brazil’s highest office more than three decades ago.
