On the eve of the second round of presidential elections, Brazilian streets are divided in support of Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a fourth term in office on Sunday, defeating his far-right challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in the presidential runoff. According to the Superior Electoral Court, the 80-year-old incumbent led with 51.75 percent of the vote against 48.25 percent for Bolsonaro once nearly all ballots were tallied. The victory marks a dramatic reversal for Lula, who trailed in the first round held earlier in October. He became the first candidate to win the second round after losing the initial vote since direct presidential elections resumed in 1989. The election night was marked by procedural delays and intense scrutiny. Voting hours were extended by two hours until 7 p.m. local time due to disruptions in public transportation. Judge Cristiano Zanin of the Supreme Court ordered the extension, citing the severity of incidents where buses were removed from service in several cities. Both candidates had previously advocated for longer voting periods. Lula pointed to the transport issues, while Bolsonaro cited heavy rainfall affecting voters in the South and Southeast regions, areas where he holds significant support. Consequently, the counting process began later than scheduled. Despite the delay, the results showed a decisive shift in voter turnout. In the first round, Bolsonaro surprised observers by leading with 47 percent of the vote compared to Lula’s 45 percent. That narrow margin left many analysts believing the senator favored the outcome. However, Lula’s campaign focused heavily on mobilizing his base. Abstention rates dropped significantly, falling from a record high of 21.08 percent in the first round to 19.21 percent in the runoff. This increase in participation among Lula’s supporters, who often live farther from polling stations, proved critical. Ultimately, Lula won by a margin of 4.3 million votes, reversing a deficit of 2.2 million votes from the previous contest. Flávio Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, refused to accept the defeat immediately. Speaking to journalists during the night, he stated that he could not recognize the result and would pursue legal challenges. He argued that the election should be annulled specifically because of the two-hour extension of polling station opening times. Bolsonaro positioned himself as a champion of national sovereignty against perceived pressure from United States President Donald Trump, a close ally of his father. He promised closer cooperation with Washington if elected. Lula, who turns 81 on Tuesday, campaigned on a platform of social programs, state investment, and continuity of his current governance style. His administration has overseen a reduction in unemployment to historical lows, a decrease in poverty, and an increase in the minimum wage. Parliament recently approved a gradual introduction of a five-day work week. Additionally, deforestation in the Amazon rainforest declined under his watch. However, the presidency faced criticism regarding rising living costs, high public debt, and a scandal involving alleged fraud in the pension system. These issues prevented Lula from relying solely on his economic track record during the campaign. The political landscape in Brazil remains deeply divided. On Saturday, thousands of supporters gathered in major cities for final rallies. In Rio de Janeiro, Lula addressed crowds along Copacabana Beach, surrounded by red flags of his Workers Party. He emphasized the choice between embracing the national flag or the American flag. In Belo Horizonte, supporters of Bolsonaro filled Liberty Square, wearing yellow jerseys associated with the national football team. Protests highlighted the polarization between those seeking state-dependent social safety nets and those prioritizing individual liberty and reduced state intervention. The outcome has significant implications for the Bolsonaro family. Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup. He had hoped his son’s victory would lead to his release and a potential role in government. Lula’s win effectively blocked that path. The victory also counters a broader trend of rightward shifts in Latin America. Lula’s allies celebrated the result as a defense of democracy against fascism. One key supporter, Reginaldo Lopes, declared that the result signaled Brazil’s rejection of the extreme right’s stance against marginalized groups. Legal battles are expected to continue despite the court’s declaration of Lula as the winner. Bolsonaro’s camp intends to file appeals based on the procedural irregularities of the extended voting window. The Superior Electoral Court has already certified the result, but the political fallout suggests further conflict ahead. For now, Lula prepares to begin another four years in office, having overcome a significant electoral setback just weeks prior. The transition period will likely be tense, with both sides monitoring judicial proceedings and public sentiment. The focus now shifts to how the new term will address the persistent economic grievances and social divisions that characterized the campaign.