Lula wins historic fourth term as Brazil president
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has won a fourth nonconsecutive term, defeating senator Flavio Bolsonaro in Sunday's presidential runoff and making history as the first candidate in the country's democratic era to win the presidency after finishing second in the first round.
With nearly all ballots counted, Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) reported that Lula secured 51.76% of valid votes, against 48.24% for Bolsonaro, a margin of more than four million votes.
The result marks a setback for the Bolsonaro family, as Flavio Bolsonaro, 45, sought to return his family to the presidency. He is the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
In the first round on Oct. 4, Bolsonaro led with 47.03% of valid votes, while Lula received 45.16%. The runoff followed three weeks of intense campaigning across Latin America's largest country.
Lula's lead shifted during the early stages of vote counting before he moved ahead as additional ballots were tallied, including votes from urban centers and the populous Northeast.
The runoff recorded an abstention rate of 19.22%, down from 21.08% in the first round. Blank ballots accounted for about 1.12% of ballots cast, while null ballots represented 2.12%, according to reported electoral figures.
Lula pledges to govern for all Brazilians
Addressing supporters after his victory, Lula pledged to represent the entire country, regardless of political affiliation, and promised to strengthen Brazil's international standing.
“No one is required to like the president-elect, but he must govern for everyone,” he said.
Lula also criticized Bolsonaro's political camp, describing the result as “a defeat for denialism and lies.”
Promising an ambitious agenda for his next administration, he said he would work continuously to deliver what he called the best presidential term the country had experienced.
He also emphasized national sovereignty, declaring that Brazil would not accept a subordinate role in international affairs.
“This country will not accept being anyone's backyard,” Lula said.
Climate policy and global influence among priorities
Lula said Brazil should play a more prominent role in international affairs and pledged to advance climate policies during his new term.
“We want to be a central country, not a peripheral one. We are going to show the world how climate policies are handled in this country,” he said.
His victory marks a political comeback for the veteran leader, who governed Brazil from 2003 to 2010 before returning to office following his 2022 election victory.
His fourth nonconsecutive term is scheduled to begin on Jan. 5, 2027.
The incoming administration is expected to face challenges in Congress, where opposition lawmakers could complicate efforts to advance legislation. Lula will also face pressure to balance public finances while expanding social programs.
Asian leaders congratulate Lula
Lula's victory drew congratulations from leaders across Asia, who highlighted his political experience and commitment to social development.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed confidence in Lula's leadership, saying he believed the Brazilian president would continue to play a significant role in shaping his country's future.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the result as a hard-fought contest that had given Lula a renewed mandate.
Anwar praised Lula's longstanding commitment to social justice, poverty reduction and strengthening the voice of developing countries in international affairs. He also expressed hope for closer trade and investment ties between Malaysia and Brazil, alongside broader cooperation between Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also congratulated Lula, describing the outcome as a defeat for corruption, division and political lies.
The international reactions underscored the significance of Lula's return to office as Brazil prepares for another term under his leadership.
Source:AA
