Lula Wins Fourth Term in Brazil

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva retained the Brazilian presidency on Sunday after defeating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in a narrow runoff. Figures from the Superior Electoral Court show Lula capturing 51.78 percent of valid votes, while his challenger received 48.22 percent. The result was confirmed late Sunday night, ending a campaign marked by tight margins and procedural disputes.

Heavy rain and technical issues forced polling stations across the country to remain open for two additional hours beyond the scheduled 7 pm local closing time. Both campaigns reportedly requested the extension, citing downpours and transport disruptions that prevented some voters from reaching their polling stations. The Supreme Court approved the delay, a move that now forms the center of a legal dispute.

Flavio Bolsonaro stated he would challenge the outcome, pointing to the two-hour extension as grounds for annulment. He said, “We will engage our legal team and seek to have these elections annulled.” Bolsonaro added that he would not accept that the rules were arbitrarily changed by Lula’s allies on the Federal Supreme Court.

Lula’s victory marks a first in modern Brazilian history. He is the first presidential candidate to lose the opening round of voting and then prevail in the second. His win also runs counter to a regional trend of conservative governments taking power in several Latin American countries. Lula is scheduled to begin his new term on January 5, 2027.

In remarks to supporters, Lula pledged to dedicate himself 24 hours a day to the role. He said, “I will deliver the best term any president has ever served.” The president also emphasized national sovereignty, stating, “Brazil is no one’s back yard.”

Lula’s administration has focused on poverty reduction, social spending, and environmental protection. His foreign policy stance includes stronger ties with Iran and China, alongside criticism of the United States and Israel. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, United States Senator Bernie Sanders, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were among those who sent congratulations following the result.