SAO PAULO, Brazil / ConSynSer / – President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential election, the country’s electoral authority said on Sunday, October 25. Lula defeated Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in a runoff to secure a fourth non-consecutive term. With nearly all polling stations tallied, Lula secured 51.76% of the vote against 48.24% for Bolsonaro, according to official results. The lead stood at nearly 4.4 million votes once all ballots were counted.
The new term begins on January 5, 2027. Lula, who turns 81 on Tuesday, first governed Brazil from 2003 to 2010. Lula narrowly defeated former President Jair Bolsonaro, Flavio’s father, in the 2022 election. Sunday’s victory marked a comeback from the first round, when Flavio Bolsonaro led with 47% against 45% for Lula. It was the first time since military rule ended in 1985 that the first-round runner-up won the presidency.
Flavio Bolsonaro refused to concede and asked for the results to be annulled. The dispute centers on a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin, issued three minutes before polls were due to close. The ruling extended voting by two hours at the request of both campaigns. Lula’s side cited bus problems in Sao Paulo and Salvador, while the Bolsonaro campaign pointed to heavy rain in southern Brazil.
Lula pledges to govern for all Brazilians
In a victory speech, Lula thanked the Brazilian people and pledged to respect all citizens regardless of gender or religion. Lula described the result as a defeat for denialism and lies. The president also stressed national sovereignty, saying the country “will not accept being anyone’s backyard.” International observers said voting earlier in the day had been peaceful and transparent. The Superior Electoral Court is analyzing reports of transport disruptions in Bahia.
The election was shaped by debates over the cost of living and public security. Flavio Bolsonaro campaigned on tough-on-crime policies and pledged to lower food costs. Lula’s government highlighted debt relief for small businesses and free weekend public transit. Flavio Bolsonaro had also promised to seek amnesty for his father, who is under house arrest for attempting a coup. Bolsonaro allies noted that Zanin previously served as Lula’s lawyer.
Victory shapes ties with Washington
The result is expected to keep Brazil at a distance from Washington. Lula is a vocal critic of US President Donald Trump, whose administration imposed high tariffs on Brazilian exports. Trump said he was watching the election but did not endorse a candidate. Lula had warned during the campaign that a Bolsonaro presidency would allow the United States to exert control over Brazil. Flavio Bolsonaro had promoted his ties to the White House.
Lula returns to office with an economy of about $2.6 trillion a year and large mineral reserves. Brazil’s rare earth deposits are estimated at up to 21 million tons, second only to China. Lula’s government has also pointed to environmental gains, as Amazon fires dropped to a historic low earlier this year. Flavio Bolsonaro has said legal action will follow over the result. Lula’s fourth term will run until the start of 2031.