Brazil Election 2026: Lula Wins Fourth Presidential Term, Defeats Flávio Bolsonaro

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has won a fourth presidential term after defeating Liberal Party candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in Sunday’s runoff, according to official results released by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court.

With 99.89 per cent of the votes counted, Lula secured 51.78 per cent of the valid votes, against 48.23 per cent for Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

The result marks a remarkable comeback for the incumbent, who trailed his rival in the first round of voting held on October 4.

Lula will be sworn in on January 5, 2027, for a four-year term, governing Brazil until 2030. His victory blocks a potential rightward shift in Latin America backed by US President Donald Trump and extends the political career of one of the region’s most prominent left-wing leaders.

Lula faces significant challenges during his new term. His administration will have to navigate a Congress where Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party has secured its largest parliamentary presence in decades, while addressing public debt and stabilising the country’s finances.

Earlier on Sunday, Lula took to social media platform X to thank voters for their support, describing the campaign as a collective effort driven by shared aspirations and achievements.

Lula said the campaign had united supporters around a better future, thanking Brazilians for their support. He highlighted efforts to improve workers’ lives, including ending the 6×1 work schedule.

Minha gratidão eterna ao povo brasileiro, à juventude que tomou as ruas em defesa da democracia e a cada pessoa que fez um esforço imenso para votar e defender o futuro do nosso país.

Vocês me emocionam e renovam minha esperança. Essa vitória é de um povo que acredita, que luta e que não desiste de construir um Brasil mais justo, soberano e democrático.

Muito obrigado, Brasil!

Essa vitória é nossa. A vitória é do povo brasileiro!

📸 @ricardostuckert

— Lula (@LulaOficial) October 26, 2026

In the October 4 first round, Flavio Bolsonaro secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes, ahead of Lula’s 45.16 per cent. Three weeks of campaigning followed, culminating in Lula’s victory.

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