Brazil elections: Lula leads Bolsonaro with 80% of votes in

The Superior Electoral Court has confirmed the victory of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who secured a second term in office. The official announcement came shortly after polls closed, with the electronic voting system allowing for a rapid tally of the votes.

Lula, a leftist who is seeking a fourth, nonconsecutive term, defeated his right-wing rival Flavio Bolsonaro. The result marks a significant political shift in the country, which has been polarized in recent years.

The election was a runoff after no candidate secured an outright majority in the first round. Lula's victory was expected to be close, as the two candidates had been running neck and neck in pre-election polls.

Extended voting hours amid disputes

The election process was extended by two hours after the Supreme Court moved the deadline to 7 p.m. local time (2200 GMT). This decision came amid complaints from both campaigns about logistical issues that they claimed could hinder voting.

Lula's team argued that public bus services in Sao Paulo, the country's largest city, had been intentionally hampered. They claimed that 40% of the city's buses were prevented from going into service, with local media reporting that 75 buses were blocked from leaving garages.

Simultaneously, Bolsonaro's team cited adverse weather conditions in certain regions as a factor that could make it more difficult for voters to reach polling stations. The extension was intended to ensure that all eligible voters had a fair opportunity to cast their ballots.

Lula expressed his frustration with the situation, calling it 'abominable.' He urged voters not to give up on their right to vote, despite the alleged attempts to prevent them from doing so.

International support and foreign influence

The election also drew international attention, with Brazilians living abroad casting their votes. Figures from Brazilian embassies in Germany showed overwhelming support for Lula, who won 79.09% of the ballots cast by the 20,923 voters across the country.

The German capital, Berlin, saw the greatest support for Lula, with 88.77% of the votes going his way. In contrast, Frankfurt was the city with the greatest support for Bolsonaro, but he still trailed his opponent by a significant margin, securing 29.03% of the votes.

The election has been closely watched for its potential to further align Latin America with pro-US far-right leaders. Lula has positioned himself as a defense against US interference, accusing his opponent of preferring the American flag over Brazil's.

US President Donald Trump, who is close to the Bolsonaro family, has increasingly meddled in South American politics. His administration has been accused of supporting right-wing leaders across the region, including in Brazil.

Call for acceptance of results

The head of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court, Edson Fachin, has called on the candidates to respect the outcome of the vote. He emphasized that all authority and power comes from the people and that the choices made by voters must be respected.

Fachin also urged for peace and calm in the country, warning that Brazil faces major challenges in many areas that demand the presence of the state. His comments come amid concerns that Bolsonaro could refuse to accept a Lula victory, potentially leading to unrest.

The president of Brazil's Superior Electoral Court, Kassio Nunes Marques, has said that the winner of Sunday's vote is expected to be announced officially between 8.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. (2330 and 0000 GMT). The electronic voting system used in the country allows for a quick tally of the votes.

Despite the tense campaign, Lula has expressed optimism about the future. He has warned about political violence, citing a brick thrown at a supporter of his leftist Workers' Party (PT) in Montes Claros, but has also said that Brazilians have taken to the streets to defend their gains.