Lula wins Brazil presidential runoff as opponent contests result

BRASÍLIA — Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential runoff election, defeating far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro, according to official election results recognized on Monday.

Kassio Nunes Marques, president of Brazil’s electoral court, certified Lula’s victory after he secured more than 64 million votes. Lula’s upcoming presidential term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027.

The outcome prompted widespread celebrations among Lula supporters in major urban centres, including São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. However, the result immediately triggered political friction and market uncertainty, with financial analysts projecting a volatile week ahead marked by expected asset selloffs and interest rate adjustments.

Flávio Bolsonaro refused to concede the race, stating that it was impossible to accept the outcome. He announced that his legal team would pursue action to annul the election results.

The candidate also criticized a decision by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin to extend voting hours from 5 pm to 7 pm, calling the move abnormal and unacceptable. Conversely, voter Jacqueline Maria Lima de Franca defended the extension as a fair measure to ensure everyone retained the right to cast a ballot.

The dispute underscores lingering political divisions in the country following the tenure of Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup against Lula following the 2022 election.