Lula Defeats Bolsonaro in 51.78 Percent Vote Share to Claim Fourth Term

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured 51.78 percent of valid votes to win a fourth non-consecutive term as Brazilian president. His rival, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, finished with 48.22 percent. The Superior Electoral Court confirmed the figures late on Sunday, October 25.

The election saw a disruption not seen in recent local history. Heavy rain and technical issues across the country delayed the closure of polling stations. Officials originally set the closing time for 7 pm local time, or 10 pm GMT. The Supreme Court approved a two-hour extension, keeping booths open until 9 pm local time.

Bolsonaro announced he would challenge the result immediately. He cited the extension as a key point of contention. "We will engage our legal team and seek to have these elections annulled," he said. He added, "I will not accept that the rules of the game have been arbitrarily changed, once again, by Lula's friends on the Federal Supreme Court." Reports indicate that both campaigns requested the extension, citing the downpours and transport disruptions that prevented some voters from reaching their stations.

Lula’s victory marks a historical shift in Brazilian politics. He is the first presidential candidate to lose the initial round of voting and then win the runoff. His success also counters a regional trend where conservative governments have recently taken power in several Latin American nations.

The next major step is scheduled for January 5, 2027. That is the date Lula will begin his new four-year term. Until then, the legal team will review the election process for potential challenges.

In a post-victory speech, Lula focused on national sovereignty. "In this election, we defeated the interference that was coming from the outside in," he stated. "Brazil is no one's back yard." He promised to dedicate himself 24 hours a day to the role and to deliver the best term any president has served.

Lula’s political record emphasizes closer cooperation with emerging economies and a defense of national sovereignty. His administration has prioritized poverty reduction, social spending, and environmental protection. Unlike Bolsonaro, Lula has criticized Israel and the United States, called for Palestinian statehood, and supported stronger ties with Iran and China. Congratulations on the result arrived from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.