Brazil: Lula wins presidential election runoff vote after remarkable comeback

A close and contentious runoff

Lula entered Sunday’s runoff as an underdog. Although he had narrowly led in pre-election polling, the first round on October 4 showed him behind Bolsonaro. The voting process was clouded by allegations of voter suppression after reports that public transportation had been suspended in some areas. Heavy rains also affected southern areas considered Bolsonaro strongholds.

Bolsonaro secured 48.68 percent of the vote, equivalent to 48.8 million ballots. The article reports a margin of just over 2.6 million votes between the candidates.

Economic issues shaped campaign

Household indebtedness has surged, leaving many Brazilians feeling their economic circumstances had deteriorated. These pressures formed part of the backdrop to the campaign.

A fourth term begins in 2027

The victory gives Lula another term leading Latin America’s largest country and denies the region’s right wing a significant win. A former metalworkers’ union leader, Lula will be 80 when sworn in on January 5, 2027.

He won two consecutive terms from 2002 through 2010 and a third term in 2022, in what was then Brazil’s tightest modern presidential race. His fourth term will test his ability to advance priorities in a Congress described as the most right-wing in recent memory.