Lula re-elected in Brazil – challenged by Bolsonaro

 

TT-AFP

 

Published 00:00 | Updated 04:13

         

        Brazilian President Lula da Silva celebrates his election victory. Photo: Andre Penner/AP/TT

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has won the second round of the presidential election, securing his re-election, according to the country’s electoral authority.

Citizens voted to "guarantee democracy," Lula said following his victory. Right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro is calling for the election to be annulled.

The left-wing president received 51.75 percent of the vote, compared to 48.25 percent for Bolsonaro, according to official figures. This translates to approximately 4.4 million more votes for Lula, who turns 81 on Tuesday. He has thus secured his fourth term as president; he won his first presidential election in 2002.

"People went to the polls because we managed to convince them that voting was crucial to safeguarding democracy in the country," Lula stated after the results were announced.

He has pledged to implement stricter regulation of major tech platforms. Previously, he had sought to have Flávio Bolsonaro’s candidacy annulled, alleging interference in the election by the tech giant Meta. Meta has denied providing any advantage or disadvantage to either candidate during the election.

Flávio Bolsonaro has not conceded defeat.

"It is impossible to accept the result," he said in Brasília.

"I will request that this election be annulled." 

Polling stations remain open longer

On election day, the Supreme Court decided that polling stations should remain open for two hours longer than originally planned. Lula had requested an extension, citing instances where residents were prevented from voting because buses had been taken out of service in several cities. Bolsonaro also requested extended hours in some areas due to heavy rain, yet he has described the decision to extend the voting period as "unacceptable."

With this election result, Brazil does not join the "conservative wave" seen in other South American nations—such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru—that have shifted to the right.

Lower inflation

There is a stark contrast between the candidates presented to the Brazilian electorate in the second round of voting. Lula and Bolsonaro hold opposing views on almost everything: from climate change and social welfare to relations with the United States. Flávio Bolsonaro is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.

During Lula’s third term, Brazil has experienced lower inflation and unemployment; however, voters have expressed concerns regarding the cost of living.

In the first round of the election on October 4, Lula received just over 45 percent of the vote, while Bolsonaro received 47 percent. As neither candidate secured more than 50 percent, the outcome was determined in a second round.

The next presidential term begins on January 5, 2027.