Lula da Silva won the presidency for the fourth time: how was the reaction of the international press

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a historic fourth term as president of Brazil on Sunday, defeating Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a tightly contested runoff. Official results indicated that the incumbent leader captured 51.7 percent of the vote, while his conservative rival received 48.2 percent. The victory marked a dramatic reversal for Lula, who had trailed in the first round of the election. At 81 years old, Lula became the oldest person ever to hold the presidency in Brazilian history. However, the celebration was immediately complicated by Flávio Bolsonaro’s refusal to concede defeat. The senator announced he would petition for the annulment of the election, citing a last-minute judicial decision that extended voting hours by two hours. The path to this outcome was fraught with tension and logistical disputes. Polling stations were originally scheduled to close at 5 p.m. local time. However, following complaints that public transportation disruptions prevented citizens from reaching their designated voting locations, the Supreme Court ordered a two-hour extension. This ruling came at the very end of the voting window, leading to confusion at many polling stations. Flávio Bolsonaro argued that the measure altered the rules mid-process and rendered the vote invalid. He stated that recognizing the result under such conditions was impossible. His campaign manager warned of a potential judicial coup, specifically criticizing Judge Cristiano Zanin for the order. Conversely, Lula’s camp accused Kassio Nunes Marques, the head of the electoral court, of failing to act promptly despite receiving requests for an extension earlier in the day. Both camps had sought extensions, with Bolsonaro’s team citing severe weather in certain regions. Despite the legal challenges raised by the opposition, international observers declared the process transparent. José Miguel Insulza, head of the Organization of State Americans observer mission, stated that voting proceeded peacefully in 21 states and the Federal District. He noted that security conditions were adequate and no problems were registered in the initial hours of the process. Insulza urged both candidates to respect the final results. Meanwhile, the presiding officers of Brazil’s legislative chambers ratified the electoral outcome before Bolsonaro made his public statements challenging the validity of the vote. The election results defied recent regional trends and global anti-incumbent sentiments. Prior to the runoff, polls showed the race neck-and-neck, with some surveys placing Bolsonaro slightly ahead. However, Lula gained approximately 10.4 million additional votes in the second round, compared to 3.7 million for Bolsonaro. Analysts suggested that higher-than-expected voter turnout benefited Lula, as conservative candidates typically lead early in the count while left-wing candidates gain traction as votes from poorer, more populous northeastern states are tallied. Lula credited young Brazilians for fighting in defense of democracy. He described his victory as a defeat for lies and denialism, accusing Flávio Bolsonaro of lying shamelessly and lacking humanity. Internationally, the result served as a significant counterpoint to the rise of right-wing movements in Latin America. Several regional leaders sent congratulations to Lula. Chilean President José Antonio Kast spoke with Lula, noting the shared future between the two nations. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on social media that the people of Brazil had won. Presidents from Uruguay, Paraguay, Panama, and Bolivia also offered their congratulations via social media platforms. Cuba’s president praised the victory as a triumph for peace, sovereignty, and social justice. For U.S. President Donald Trump, the loss represented a setback, as Flávio Bolsonaro had been viewed as a close political ally. With Lula back in power, Brazil is expected to continue its independent foreign policy course, maintaining strong economic ties with China. Domestically, Lula faces a complex governing environment. Although he retained the presidency, his political opponents remain powerful. Flávio Bolsonaro’s party, the Liberal Party, gained influence in parliamentary elections. This shift suggests that governance will be difficult, requiring navigation through a legislature where opposition forces are strengthened. Additionally, the political landscape within the Bolsonaro camp may undergo changes. Flávio failed to succeed his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a prison sentence for attempting a coup of state. Flávio’s Senate term expires in January, and he faces investigations regarding alleged money laundering. His brother Eduardo, residing in the United States, has publicly advised him to leave Brazil. The campaign itself was characterized by extreme polarization and accusations of interference. Reports indicated that the platform Meta faced criticism for interfering in the electoral process by attempting to restrict the spread of Lula’s content on social media. Despite these digital hurdles, Lula’s digital strategy proved effective. A WhatsApp group supporting his campaign grew to over ten million followers. The election day atmosphere in major cities reflected the deep division in the country. In Rio de Janeiro, supporters of both sides clashed verbally outside polling stations. In São Paulo, celebrations erupted among Lula’s backers as the results solidified. The new administration has already signaled plans for stricter regulation of large technology platforms. As Lula begins his new term, he must address a deeply divided nation while managing relationships with Washington and Beijing. The immediate focus remains on the legal battles initiated by the defeated candidate and the practical challenges of legislating with a fragmented Congress.