Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pledged to govern for all Brazilians, bolster the country’s international standing and advance an ambitious climate agenda after securing reelection on Sunday.
According to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Lula won 51.79 percent of valid ballots, while Flavio Bolsonaro received 48.21 percent.
"No one is required to like the president-elect, but he must govern for everyone," Lula said as he addressed supporters, expressing gratitude to the Brazilian people and promising to respect citizens regardless of their political allegiances.
He also criticised his opponent Flavio Bolsonaro’s political camp, declaring "this was a defeat for denialism and lies."
Promising an ambitious agenda for his next term, Lula said: "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 emphasised national sovereignty, saying "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.
Outlining his vision for Brazil's place in the world, Lula said the country should play a central role in international affairs and lead by 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.
A historic comeback
Lula's victory marked a historic comeback after he finished second in the October 4 first round, when Bolsonaro led with 47.03 percent of valid votes against Lula's 45.16 percent.
Lula became the first candidate in Brazil's democratic history to finish second in the first round and win the presidency in the runoff, according to Brazil's Chamber of Deputies.
His campaign mobilised supporters through street rallies and social media.
The victory gives Lula a fourth nonconsecutive presidential term following his wins in 2002, 2006 and 2022. He is the first Brazilian president elected to four terms by popular vote, according to the G1 news portal. His new term is scheduled to begin on January 5 2027.
The runoff recorded an abstention rate of 19.22 percent, down from 21.08 percent in the first round, according to reported figures from Brazil's Superior Electoral Court. Blank ballots accounted for approximately 1.12 percent of ballots cast and null ballots for 2.12 percent, bringing their combined share to 3.24 percent.
Lula's next administration is expected to face congressional opposition and pressure to balance public finances while expanding social programs.
