Lula wins Brazil runoff despite late vote extension

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a fourth term after winning the Sunday runoff with 51.8 percent of the vote. The electoral court confirmed the result, placing Lula nearly 4.4 million votes ahead of Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula, who turns 81 on Tuesday, will begin his non-consecutive term on January 5, 2027.

Flávio Bolsonaro rejected the outcome and requested that the results be annulled. He argued that the election was disrupted by a last-minute decision to extend voting hours. Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin issued the ruling three minutes before the original 5 p.m. local deadline. Both campaigns had requested the extension, citing logistical issues in their respective strongholds.

Lula’s team pointed to transportation problems in São Paulo and Salvador, two cities that favor the incumbent. Bolsonaro’s team cited heavy rain in the southern region, where his support is strongest. Zanin, who previously served as Lula’s lawyer, faced criticism for the timing. Bolsonaro accused him of changing the rules during the game, making it impossible to recognize the results.

The extension created confusion at polling places. Associated Press reporters observed stations in Brasília and Rio de Janeiro closing shortly after the original deadline, while others remained open. It is unclear how many locations stayed open for the full two extra hours. Bolsonaro may request a recount if he can provide evidence of fraud, though legal experts note the high margin suggests a recount might not change the winner.

Lula addressed supporters in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro’s Cinelândia Square. He declared the victory a defeat for denialism and emphasized Brazil’s independence from foreign influence. He stated that the country would not accept being anyone’s backyard. In Rio, car horns and cheers filled the streets as the result was confirmed.

Rodrigo Valentim, a 51-year-old businessman who supported Bolsonaro, predicted the win would hurt the economy. He described the country as collapsing under the weight of another Lula government. The election result defies a regional trend where right-of-centre candidates aligned with the United States have taken power.

Lula faces a tough economic environment in Latin America’s largest economy, which has an annual GDP of $2.6 trillion US. The victory suggests the nation will continue resisting Trump’s demands despite higher tariffs. Both candidates campaigned on cost of living and security, with Bolsonaro promising tougher crime policies and lower food prices. Lula expanded government incentives to win undecided voters.