Lula secures fourth term in Brazil runoff with 64 million votes

Brazil's Superior Electoral Court declared President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva the winner of the second round on Sunday night, ending a tight contest with the senator's campaign signaling intent to challenge the final count. Lula captured more than 51 percent of the vote, accumulating over 64 million ballots. His opponent, Flavio Bolsonaro, received more than 59 million votes, or 48 percent, leaving a gap of more than 4 million votes in Lula's favor.

The victory marks a historic shift in Brazilian politics. Lula becomes the first modern leader to win a runoff after trailing in the first round, which occurred on October 4. At 80 years old, the former metalworkers' union leader will assume his fourth non-consecutive term on January 5, 2027, becoming the oldest president sworn in since the country returned to democracy.

Flavio Bolsonaro refused to concede defeat immediately after the results were announced. He stated he would seek to annul the outcome and challenged a Supreme Court decision that extended voting hours by two. Both campaigns had requested additional time, keeping polling stations open until 7pm Brasilia time. Bolsonaro accused the court of changing the rules mid-election, a move he claimed made the result unacceptable.

The decision to extend voting hours followed reports of public transport suspensions and heavy rainfall in southern strongholds. Lula's allies argued that reduced bus services aimed to suppress working-class voters, while weather disruptions complicated access to polling stations in key regions.

Lula campaigned on economic issues, including a constitutional amendment passed this month to shorten the workweek and proposals for free public transport on weekends. He also banned online gambling and sports betting apps in September. Despite low unemployment and declining poverty during his previous term, rising household debt contributed to voter dissatisfaction.

The result halts a recent wave of right-wing electoral gains in the Americas, including victories in Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia, and Ecuador. While Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and US Senator Bernie Sanders offered congratulations, tensions with Washington persist. The Trump administration previously imposed 50 percent tariffs on certain Brazilian goods to pressure the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who received a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup.

Donald Trump Jr. criticized the voting extension on social media, citing judicial malpractice, while US Representative Ro Khanna urged the president to respect the outcome. Lula faces a highly right-leaning Congress, a body he noted was chosen by the people rather than by him.