Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil’s Oct. 25 presidential runoff, winning a fourth term after overcoming Bolsonaro’s lead in the first round of a close election.
With all votes counted, Lula received 51.8% of the vote to Bolsonaro’s 48.2%, a margin of nearly 4.4 million ballots, according to Brazil’s electoral court. Bolsonaro had led the first round earlier in October. That made Lula’s comeback the first in Brazil’s direct presidential elections since they resumed in 1989.
The vote was clouded by confusion after a Supreme Court justice extended polling hours by two hours. The justice cited disruption to public transport. Bolsonaro said he would seek to cancel the result.
Lula’s win also prevents a shift to the right in Latin America’s largest country. The narrow margin highlights Brazil’s political divisions. Supporters celebrated in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Lula called for unity and pledged to govern for all Brazilians. He is due to begin his new term on Jan. 5, 2027. He will face a Congress where Bolsonaro’s party has substantial strength.