Lula holds off far right with victory in Brazil presidential election

Brazil's Superior Electoral Court declared Lula the winner shortly after 9:00pm Brasilia time (00:00 GMT), with the incumbent securing more than 51% of the vote. Bolsonaro received 48%, with just over 2.6 million votes separating the two candidates. More than 64 million ballots were cast in the contentious race.

Historic Comeback

Lula's victory marks a historic moment in Brazilian politics, as no other modern politician has lost the first round only to win the second. "A historic turning point for democracy," Edinho Silva, the head of Lula's Workers' Party, posted on social media, alongside a video of supporters chanting the president's name.

Election Challenges

The election process faced complications including allegations of voter suppression after reports emerged of suspended public transport in some areas. Lula's allies accused Bolsonaro supporters of reducing bus availability to dampen the president's working-class base support. Heavy rains in Bolsonaro strongholds in the south also affected voting.

Both campaigns petitioned the Supreme Court for a voting extension, resulting in polls staying open two hours later than expected until 7pm Brasilia time (22:00 GMT).

Regional Context

Lula's victory prevents a crucial win for the region's right wing, which has recently swept presidential races in Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador. Many of these right-wing leaders have benefited from anti-incumbent sentiment and support from US President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January 2025.

At age 80, Lula will be sworn in on January 5, 2027, becoming the oldest Brazilian president to take the oath since the country's return to democracy. His victory gives him an unprecedented fourth non-consecutive term in office.

Path to Victory

Lula entered the runoff as an underdog after narrowly leading pre-election polls but trailing Bolsonaro in the first round on October 4, with 45% to Bolsonaro's 47%. In the weeks since, he rallied supporters around cost-of-living issues, championing a constitutional amendment that shortened the Brazilian workweek and proposing free weekend public transport.

Despite overseeing reduced poverty and low unemployment during his third term, Lula faced questions about his age, crime combat abilities, and Brazil's polarized politics. His victory could be complicated by the most right-wing Congress in recent memory, potentially stymying legislative priorities during his fourth term.