Lula retains Brazilian presidency with 51.78 percent of vote

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has secured a fourth term as president of Brazil, capturing 51.78 percent of valid votes in the runoff held on Sunday. His challenger, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, received 48.22 percent of the vote. The Superior Electoral Court confirmed the final figures late on Sunday night, ending a tight contest that saw the incumbent defend his position against the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Heavy rain and technical glitches disrupted voting across the country, forcing polling stations to remain open for two additional hours. Stations were originally scheduled to close at 7 pm local time, but the Supreme Court approved the extension to allow voters stuck by weather and transport issues to cast their ballots. This procedural change has become a central point of contention, with Bolsonaro arguing that the delay altered the conditions of the race.

Bolsonaro stated that he would not accept the outcome, citing the two-hour extension as an arbitrary change to the rules by Lula's allies on the Federal Supreme Court. "We will engage our legal team and seek to have these elections annulled," he said. Reports indicate that both campaigns requested the extension, citing the downpours and transport disruption that prevented some voters from reaching their polling stations.

Lula's victory marks a first in modern Brazilian history, as he is the first candidate to lose the opening round of voting and then win the second round. His win also runs counter to a recent regional trend where conservative governments have taken power in several Latin American nations. He is scheduled to begin his new term on 5 January 2027, continuing a political record built on closer cooperation with emerging economies and a defense of national sovereignty.

In a speech to supporters, Lula promised to deliver the best term any president has ever served, stating he would dedicate himself 24 hours a day to the role. He emphasized that the election defeated outside interference, declaring, "Brazil is no one's back yard." Congratulations for the victory came from leaders including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, United States Senator Bernie Sanders, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.