Lula claims fourth term in Brazil after narrow runoff win

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will return to office for a fourth term after securing 51.79% of the vote in Sunday's runoff. His victory over right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro, who received 48.21%, marks the first time a Brazilian leader has held the presidency for four separate terms. The new term begins on 5 January and runs until 2030.

The final count revealed a margin of 4.4 million votes. This outcome reversed the results of the first round held on 4 October, when Flávio Bolsonaro led with 47% against Lula's 45%. Lula's campaign focused heavily on increasing voter turnout in the second round, a strategy that produced the largest drop in abstention between rounds since 1989. Thirty-three million people had failed to vote in the initial contest.

Polling stations remained open for an additional two hours on Sunday evening in a move that surprised observers. Both campaigns requested the extension for different reasons. Lula's team cited a lack of buses in São Paulo and Bahia that prevented voters from reaching polling places. Flávio Bolsonaro's camp pointed to heavy rain in southern Brazil and São Paulo. The Supreme Court issued the decision just as stations were scheduled to close, leaving some locations unable to reopen.

Supreme Court President Kassio Nunes Marques, who was appointed by former president Jair Bolsonaro, confirmed the result. He stated that the extension did not create issues for the count or the electoral process. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the convicted former president, has refused to recognize the outcome. He called the result inexplicable and impossible, arguing it should be annulled.

Legal experts suggest the chances of annulling the election are remote. Fernando Neisser of the Institute of Lawyers of São Paulo noted that the legal standpoint would be difficult given the relatively large margin of victory. Alberto Rollo, another expert, added that presidential election dates are fixed by the constitution, which complicates any bid for annulment.

Lula, who turns 81 on Tuesday, has served two terms between 2003 and 2010 and a third term since 2023. He celebrated in the streets of São Paulo, telling crowds that the election was a loss for negativity and lies. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin told him that he had saved Brazilian democracy for the second time. Lula also addressed tensions with United States President Donald Trump, insisting that Brazil will not accept being anyone's backyard.

International leaders sent congratulatory messages. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said democracy and multilateralism had won. French President Emmanuel Macron called for the two nations to work in service of a more just world. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the victory as a win for the global south and progressive forces.