Brazilian leftist President Lula wins reelection against conservative challenger Flavio Bolsonaro
Brazilian leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has won a new term in office, defeating conservative challenger Flavio Bolsonaro in the country's presidential election, the Superior Electoral Court announced.
The Superior Electoral Court confirmed the victory of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking a fourth, nonconsecutive term, over Flavio Bolsonaro in the runoff election. The official announcement is expected to be made between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time (2330 and 0000 GMT).
The result was a tight race, with both candidates running head-to-head in pre-election polls. The electronic voting system used in Brazil allows for a quick tally, meaning the winner could be determined within hours of the polls closing at 5 p.m. local time (2000 GMT).
Extended voting hours
Voting hours were extended by two hours to 7 p.m. local time (2200 GMT) after complaints from both campaigns. Lula's team cited the removal of public buses in Sao Paulo, which he claimed prevented many people from voting. Local media reported that 75 buses were blocked from leaving garages in the city.
We are asking the Supreme Court to extend the electoral process so that those who were effectively barred from voting, due to the dirty tactics of mayors, can still cast their votes.
Bolsonaro's team, meanwhile, complained about adverse weather conditions in certain regions that made it more difficult for voters to reach polling stations. The extension was granted by the Supreme Court to ensure all eligible voters had a fair opportunity to cast their ballots.
International support
Brazilians living abroad also participated in the election, with voting centers in embassies across Germany. The left-wing incumbent Lula received overwhelming support from this community, winning 79.09% of the ballots cast by the 20,923 voters in Germany. This marks an increase from the 71.9% he won in the first round.
The German capital saw the greatest support for Lula, with 88.77% of the votes going his way. Frankfurt was the city with the greatest support for Bolsonaro, but on 29.03% he still trailed his opponent by a significant margin. Turnout in the second round increased compared to the first round, though only around half of the 41,552 eligible voters turned out to vote.
US influence and political rhetoric
The election has drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump playing a significant role in the political landscape. Trump is close to the Bolsonaro family, and his rhetoric has influenced the political climate in South America. Lula has presented himself as a defense against US interference, accusing the right of wanting to govern with the American flag.
The right wants to govern with the American flag.
Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has urged voters to turn out 'rain or shine' to change the country's direction. He criticized Lula's record on security and the economy, saying voters should not persist with a 'mistake.' The election's outcome will have far-reaching implications for Brazil's future and its role on the global stage.
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