Lula Wins Historic 4th Term After Stunning Runoff Comeback
(MENAFN) Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won reelection to the Brazilian presidency late Sunday, vowing to govern for all Brazilians, raise the country’s standing abroad and push an ambitious climate agenda.
Addressing supporters, Lula thanked voters and promised to respect citizens whatever their political loyalties. “No one is required to like the president-elect, but he must govern for everyone,” Lula said.
He took aim at the camp of his rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, saying “this was a defeat for denialism and lies.”
Looking ahead to his next term, Lula set a bold target. “I want to make a commitment: I will deliver the best term any president has ever served. I will dedicate myself 24 hours a day to making this the country that everyone dreams of.”
He also invoked national sovereignty, declaring “in this election, we defeated the interference that was coming from the outside in.”
“This country will not accept being anyone’s backyard,” he added.
On Brazil’s role abroad, Lula said the country should be a major force in global affairs and set the example on climate policy. “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.
The win completes a historic turnaround. Lula trailed in the Oct. 4 first round, when Bolsonaro led with 47.03% of valid votes to Lula’s 45.16%. According to Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies, no candidate in the country’s democratic history had finished second in the first round and then won the runoff.
The campaign relied on street rallies and social media to mobilize supporters.
The victory hands Lula a fourth, nonconsecutive term after wins in 2002, 2006 and 2022. A Brazilian news portal reported that he is the first president in Brazil’s history elected to four terms by popular vote. The new term is due to begin on Jan. 5, 2027.
Turnout improved in the runoff, according to figures from Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court. Abstention fell to 19.22% from 21.08% in the first round. Blank ballots made up about 1.12% of votes cast and null ballots 2.12%, a combined 3.24%.
Lula’s incoming administration is expected to confront congressional opposition and pressure to balance public finances while expanding social programs.
Addressing supporters, Lula thanked voters and promised to respect citizens whatever their political loyalties. “No one is required to like the president-elect, but he must govern for everyone,” Lula said.
He took aim at the camp of his rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, saying “this was a defeat for denialism and lies.”
Looking ahead to his next term, Lula set a bold target. “I want to make a commitment: I will deliver the best term any president has ever served. I will dedicate myself 24 hours a day to making this the country that everyone dreams of.”
He also invoked national sovereignty, declaring “in this election, we defeated the interference that was coming from the outside in.”
“This country will not accept being anyone’s backyard,” he added.
On Brazil’s role abroad, Lula said the country should be a major force in global affairs and set the example on climate policy. “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.
The win completes a historic turnaround. Lula trailed in the Oct. 4 first round, when Bolsonaro led with 47.03% of valid votes to Lula’s 45.16%. According to Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies, no candidate in the country’s democratic history had finished second in the first round and then won the runoff.
The campaign relied on street rallies and social media to mobilize supporters.
The victory hands Lula a fourth, nonconsecutive term after wins in 2002, 2006 and 2022. A Brazilian news portal reported that he is the first president in Brazil’s history elected to four terms by popular vote. The new term is due to begin on Jan. 5, 2027.
Turnout improved in the runoff, according to figures from Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court. Abstention fell to 19.22% from 21.08% in the first round. Blank ballots made up about 1.12% of votes cast and null ballots 2.12%, a combined 3.24%.
Lula’s incoming administration is expected to confront congressional opposition and pressure to balance public finances while expanding social programs.
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