GUWAHATI: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has defied predictions of a political defeat to secure an unprecedented fourth presidential term, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, in a closely contested runoff on Sunday, October 25. The 80-year-old’s victory comes after he trailed his right-wing rival in the first round, turning an early setback into a decisive comeback amid a polarised election that could shape the political direction of Brazil and the wider Latin American region.
ALSO READ: NCERT Brings AI Education to Classrooms With New Module for Classes 9 to 12
The 80-year-old Lula secured 51.78% of the vote, while Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, received 48.22%, reflecting the deep political divisions in the country.
Lula received 64 million votes, surpassing his previous record of 60 million votes in the 2022 presidential election. His victory came after he trailed Bolsonaro in the first round of voting held on October 4. Flávio Bolsonaro secured 47.03% of valid votes in the first round, compared with Lula’s 45.16%, forcing a runoff as neither candidate crossed the 50% mark.
The result marks another electoral comeback for Lula, who had faced questions about his political future ahead of the vote. His victory also comes amid a broader shift towards conservative governments in several Latin American countries.
In his victory speech, Lula appeared to take aim at US President Donald Trump’s influence in the region, declaring, “This country does not accept being anybody’s backyard.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Lula on his victory, referring to him as “my dear friend” in a post on X.
“Look forward to working closely with him to further deepen and expand the multifaceted India-Brazil Strategic Partnership,” Modi wrote. He added that both countries would continue to strengthen cooperation across sectors, advance the shared priorities of the Global South and work towards a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world.
However, the election outcome leaves Brazil facing significant political challenges. Flávio Bolsonaro has refused to concede defeat and is seeking to annul the runoff result. He has also criticised the Supreme Court’s decision to extend voting by two hours across the country.
Despite Lula’s victory, more than 48% of voters backed Bolsonaro, highlighting the extent of political polarisation. Lula will also have to work with a Congress described in the report as the most right-wing in Brazil’s democratic era.
During the campaign, Lula promised to bridge the divide between the country’s opposing political camps through what he described as “a new way of governing”. He also pledged to pursue a more just society, expand opportunities and direct policies towards people’s needs.
However, governing a deeply divided country alongside a largely hostile Congress could prove difficult for the veteran leader, who will be 85 by the end of his fourth term.
