Brasília: Brazil’s incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has defeated right-wing challenger Flavio Bolsonaro to secure a historic fourth term, defying projections and retaining leadership of Latin America’s largest democracy. In Sunday’s election, Lula secured 51.75 per cent of the votes, while Bolsonaro received 48.25 per cent. Lula’s victory has interrupted a conservative political shift across parts of South America, where countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru have seen right-wing forces gain ground.
Following his victory, Lula said his campaign had convinced voters of the importance of protecting democracy. He also accused foreign actors of attempting to influence the election through digital platforms, declaring that Brazil would not be treated as another country’s backyard. “We will change the way we run this country,” Lula said, adding that his government would seek greater public participation in decision-making.
Celebrations broke out among Lula’s supporters after the results were announced. Edinho Silva, head of Lula’s Workers’ Party, described the victory on social media as a historic turning point for democracy. Sunday’s election was also marked by controversy after voting was extended by two hours following a request from Lula. He argued that the withdrawal of buses from service in several cities had prevented some citizens from reaching polling stations.
Lula’s supporters and party workers accused Bolsonaro of reducing bus availability to influence the election outcome. Bolsonaro, however, also called for voting hours to be extended in certain areas following heavy rainfall. The decision triggered arguments between supporters of the two candidates. Lula backer Jacqueline Maria Lima de Franca, a 34-year-old business owner in Rio de Janeiro, told AFP that extending voting hours was fair because everyone deserved the right to vote.
