Rio de Janeiro (Brazil):- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a staunch critic of former US President Donald Trump, was elected president of Brazil for the fourth time on Sunday. The election result brought relief to those who have long criticised the growing influence of the United States in Latin America.
After the counting of votes was completed, Brazil’s electoral court announced that Lula, who is soon to turn 81, had secured a decisive lead of approximately 4.4 million votes over his rival, Jair Bolsonaro. Lula received 51.8 per cent of the total votes. Bolsonaro refused to concede defeat and demanded that the election results be annulled. Earlier, a last-minute decision to extend voting hours by two hours had created a chaotic atmosphere at polling stations.
A video released by Lula’s campaign team showed him celebrating with his wife, First Lady Rosângela da Silva, and his associates after the electoral court confirmed his victory in the second round. Addressing thousands of supporters on a major street in São Paulo and at Cinelândia Square in Rio de Janeiro, Lula thanked the people of Brazil.
He pledged to respect all Brazilians, regardless of gender or religion, and targeted Bolsonaro in his remarks. Lula said, “This is the defeat of lies and the tendency to deny the truth.” He also reiterated his commitment to defending Brazil’s sovereignty.
He declared, “Either the country will remain free, or we will sacrifice our lives for Brazil.” He added, “Brazil will not be subordinate to any other country, nor will it act at the direction of others.” Lula is scheduled to begin his fourth term as president on January 5, 2027. The electoral court’s announcement ended the uncertainty that had prevailed at polling stations since the evening. Earlier, Brazil’s Supreme Court had taken this decision following a request from both candidates.
