Lula claims 51.8 percent of Brazilian ballots in chaotic runoff

The Brazilian electoral court certified President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory in the Sunday runoff, reporting that he received 51.8 percent of the total ballots. This result places him nearly 4.4 million votes ahead of his opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro, who turned 81 on Tuesday.

The confirmation came after a period of disorder at polling stations across the country. Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin issued a ruling three minutes before the scheduled 5 p.m. local closing time, extending voting hours by two extra periods. The decision responded to requests from both campaigns regarding logistical issues and weather conditions.

Flávio Bolsonaro rejected the final tally immediately after the count concluded. He formally requested that the results be annulled, citing the late change in voting procedures. Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, accused Justice Zanin of altering the rules mid-process, noting that Zanin had previously served as Lula’s legal counsel.

"It is impossible to recognize the results of the election in the context of these things that happened," Bolsonaro stated. His legal team has not yet confirmed whether the objection meets the specific legal threshold required for a full annulment, though they may seek a recount if evidence of fraud emerges.

Lula addressed thousands of supporters in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro’s Cinelândia Square to mark the win. He described the outcome as a defeat for denialism and emphasized the nation’s independence from foreign influence. "This country will not accept being anyone’s backyard," he told the crowd, which responded with honking car horns and cheering.

The election reversed a trend in the region where right-of-center, Trump-aligned candidates had recently taken power. Brazil, which has an annual GDP of $2.6 trillion, will continue to be led by a vocal critic of the U.S. president. The result also marks a historic reversal in the country’s political dynamics.

Bolsonaro held a lead of more than 2.2 million votes after the first round earlier this month. Sunday’s outcome is the first since the end of the military dictatorship in 1985 where the second-place finisher in the initial round won the presidency. Voters prioritized cost of living and security, prompting Lula to expand government incentives and court younger demographics after the first round.

Lula is scheduled to begin his fourth non-consecutive term on January 5, 2027. At age 80, he shares the distinction of being among the oldest sitting presidents in the Americas with Donald Trump and Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua.