Lula Wins Fourth Term Amid Voting Chaos
Brazil's electoral court certified a 4.4 million vote victory for Lula after a last-minute extension of voting hours sparked objections from his opponent.
By David Almasi ·
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a fourth term as president of Brazil on Sunday, according to the country's electoral court. The ruling confirmed his victory over Flávio Bolsonaro by a margin of nearly 4.4 million votes. Lula, who turns 81 on Tuesday, received 51.8 percent of the total ballots cast in the run-off.
The result stands as a setback for political movements in Latin America that align with Washington. Lula has been a vocal critic of U.S. President Donald Trump. His win suggests that Brazil, the largest economy in the region with an annual GDP of $2.6 trillion, will continue to resist American demands despite higher tariffs.
Flávio Bolsonaro immediately rejected the outcome. He called for the results to be annulled, citing disorder at polling places caused by a last-minute extension of voting hours. His objection followed a chaotic evening in several cities where stations remained open longer than expected.
Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin issued the ruling to extend voting by two hours just three minutes before the original deadline. Both campaigns had requested the change. Lula's team pointed to bus delays in São Paulo and Salvador, two cities that typically support the incumbent. Bolsonaro's team cited heavy rain in southern Brazil, a region where he holds a lead. It remained unclear how many stations actually stayed open late. Associated Press reporters observed that polling places in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro closed shortly after the original 5 p.m. local deadline.
Bolsonaro accused Zanin of changing the rules mid-game, noting that the justice previously served as Lula's lawyer. He stated that it was impossible to recognize the election results given the circumstances. It is not yet clear if his complaint meets the legal threshold for annulment. He may request a recount if he can present evidence of fraud, though such a move might not change the final tally.
Lula addressed thousands of supporters in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro's Cinelândia Square. He thanked voters and promised to respect all Brazilians regardless of their gender or religion. He described the election as a defeat for denialism and lies. He also emphasized national independence, stating that Brazil would not accept being anyone's backyard. In Rio, car horns sounded and crowds roared as the result was confirmed.
Rodrigo Valentim, a 51-year-old businessman who supported Bolsonaro, expressed concern about the economic impact of the new administration. He said another Lula government would hurt the economy and that the country was collapsing.
The election marked a historic reversal. Bolsonaro had finished more than 2.2 million votes ahead in the first round earlier this month. Sunday's outcome was the first time since the military dictatorship ended in 1985 that the runner-up in the first round went on to win the presidency. Voters focused on the cost of living and security. Bolsonaro campaigned on tough crime policies and lower food prices. Lula spent on costly incentives to win over undecided voters. Both men have faced corruption suspicions involving relatives and allies.
Lula reorganized his campaign after the first round to court young voters and mobilize support for democratic values. He is due to start his fourth non-consecutive term on Jan. 5, 2027. He, Trump, and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega are all aged 80, making them the oldest presidents in the Americas.
