Lula edges out Bolsonaro in Brazil

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a lead of nearly 4.4 million votes in the final count, defeating rival Flávio Bolsonaro with 51.8 percent of the total. The electoral court confirmed the result on Sunday, ending a tense runoff that kept the region's largest economy, with a GDP of $2.6 trillion, distinct from Washington's influence.

The victory comes after a chaotic evening at polling stations across the country. Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin ruled three minutes before the scheduled end of voting to keep polls open for two additional hours. This decision delayed the tallying process and sparked immediate controversy, as Bolsonaro's campaign later argued the extension should be annulled.

Lula, who turns 81 on Tuesday, addressed supporters after the confirmation. He characterized the result as a defeat for denialism and stated that the country would not accept being anyone's backyard. In a campaign video, the president was seen wearing star-shaped red glasses and celebrating with his wife, Rosângela Lula da Silva, while hundreds gathered on São Paulo's main artery.

Rodrigo Valentim, a 51-year-old businessman and Bolsonaro supporter, expressed concern over the economic implications of the outcome. He cited financial markets' positive reaction to the first round, where Bolsonaro had led by more than 2.2 million votes, and questioned the logic of voting for Lula given the current cost of living and security issues.

The extension of voting hours stemmed from logistical problems. Lula's campaign requested extra time due to bus transportation issues in São Paulo and Salvador, while Bolsonaro's team cited heavy rains in the south. In Rio de Janeiro, some voting machines had already been switched off and could not be restarted, leading to confusion among volunteers who debated whether to stay after the initial closing time.

Nikolas Ferreira, an ally of Bolsonaro, highlighted that Justice Zanin, who made the ruling, had previously served as Lula's lawyer. This connection added a layer of scrutiny to the procedural decision that affected the final hours of the vote.

Lula's win marks the first time since 1985 that the second-place finisher from the first round has claimed the presidency. He joins U.S. President Donald Trump and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega as the oldest heads of state in the Americas, all of whom are 80 years old or older. The new term is set to begin on January 5, 2027.