Brazil's leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured a 51.7% vote in the presidential runoff, defeating conservative challenger Flavio Bolsonaro. The result marks Lula's historic fourth term, reversing his first-round defeat to the far-right candidate.
Lula's victory came after a chaotic day at the polls, with extended voting hours and logistical challenges. The runoff saw Lula secure 51.7% of the vote against Bolsonaro's 48.2%, with Bolsonaro refusing to concede and calling for the election to be annulled.
The win underscores Lula's continued influence in Brazilian politics, despite a conservative Congress that could challenge his authority. Lula's campaign emphasized defending Brazil's sovereignty and resisting US influence, a stance that resonated with voters.
Bolsonaro has rejected the results, citing concerns over the extended voting hours and arguing the decision undermined equal treatment across states. Legal challenges and disputes over the election process are expected in the coming days.