Lula Wins Historic Fourth Term in Brazil

World 10:34 AM - 2026-10-26

6. Lula Wins Historic Fourth Term in Brazil.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured an unprecedented fourth presidential term, defeating conservative rival Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested run-off election. Bolsonaro has refused to accept the result and said he would seek to have the election annulled.

According to official results, the 80-year-old Lula won 51.79% of the valid votes, compared with 48.21% for Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Speaking in São Paulo after his victory was confirmed, Lula said voters had supported democracy, describing the result as a victory for the Brazilian people.

His re-election keeps Brazil under left-wing leadership, defying a broader shift towards conservative politics seen in several other Latin American countries.

Bolsonaro, however, has vowed to challenge the result, arguing that the election process requires further scrutiny. Speaking in Brasília, he said it was “impossible to accept the election results” and announced his intention to seek annulment of the vote.

The dispute centres partly on a last-minute judicial decision to extend voting hours by two hours after concerns were raised about transport disruptions and access to polling stations. Both candidates had requested additional voting time in certain areas, although Bolsonaro criticised the eventual ruling.

Lula had previously complained that buses had been taken out of service in several cities, making it harder for some voters to reach polling stations. Bolsonaro also raised concerns about voting conditions in areas affected by heavy rain.

Lula’s victory marks another milestone in a political career spanning decades. He previously served as president from 2003 to 2010 and returned to power in 2023. His fourth, non-consecutive term is due to begin in January 2027 and run until 2031.

However, his new term is expected to face significant challenges in Congress, where conservative forces have strengthened their position. The political balance could complicate efforts to advance his legislative agenda.

During his campaign, Lula emphasised social programmes, democratic institutions and national sovereignty, while opposing external pressure on Brazil. His victory also comes amid wider political divisions in Latin America and questions about the future direction of the region’s largest economy.

Following the announcement, several international leaders congratulated Lula on his victory. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X: “Long live democracy; the Brazilian people have triumphed.”

In the United States, President Donald Trump’s position during the campaign drew attention, although he did not explicitly endorse Flávio Bolsonaro in the reported remarks. 


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