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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won an unprecedented fourth, non-consecutive presidential term, defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a runoff election.
Lula secured 51.75% of the vote against Bolsonaro’s 48.25%, according to official results announced on Sunday.
The victory marks a dramatic comeback for the 80-year-old leftist leader, who finished behind his rival in the first round of voting earlier this month.
The election was closely contested, reflecting deep divisions in Latin America’s largest economy over economic policy, social welfare, public security and the country’s international relations.
Lula’s campaign highlighted his record on reducing poverty and inequality, expanding social welfare programmes and lowering unemployment.
He also promised further support for low-income families and reforms to improve workers’ rights.
Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, campaigned on a conservative platform and sought to strengthen the political movement associated with his father.
Lula previously served as president from 2003 to 2010 before returning to office in 2023 following his victory in the 2022 election.
His fourth term is expected to bring significant political challenges, with a conservative-leaning Congress likely to complicate efforts to advance his legislative agenda.
Economic concerns, including public debt, high interest rates and household indebtedness, will also remain key issues for the incoming administration.
Lula’s victory keeps Brazil under left-wing leadership for another term amid a broader political shift towards conservative governments in parts of Latin America.
