Brazil's Lula Wins Historic Fourth Term in Presidential Election
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured a fourth term in office, winning a dramatic comeback victory over right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula took 51.79% of the vote, becoming the first president since Brazil's return to civilian rule in 1985 to be elected after losing the first round of voting.
Lula's victory was met with jubilation from his supporters, who celebrated in the streets of São Paulo. The president-elect told the crowds that his win was a "loss for negativity, lies," and added, "long live democracy." However, Bolsonaro has refused to recognize the result, calling for it to be annulled.
The Supreme Court's decision to extend voting hours nationwide by two hours has been cited as a potential factor in Lula's victory. Both Lula's and Bolsonaro's campaigns had requested the extension, with Lula's team arguing that voters in São Paulo and Bahia were unable to reach polling stations due to a lack of buses, while Bolsonaro's campaign cited heavy rain in some areas.
The result is a significant upset, as Bolsonaro had won the first round of voting with 47% of the vote, ahead of Lula's 45%. However, Lula's campaign gained momentum in the lead-up to the second round, focusing on boosting voter turnout after 33 million people did not vote in the first round.
Lula's victory is a historic moment for Brazil, as he becomes the first president to secure a fourth term. He will serve until 2030, and faces significant challenges ahead, including a divided country and a hostile Congress packed with Bolsonaro allies.
