Lula wins Brazil’s presidential election and secures fourth term

According to the count at 9:27 p.m. Brazilian time, Lula received 51.76 percent of valid votes, compared with 48.24 percent for Bolsonaro. At that point, 99.87 percent of polling stations had been processed. Lula had received more than 64.1 million votes and Bolsonaro nearly 59.8 million. The difference was therefore approximately 4.4 million votes.

Remarkable turnaround after first round of elections

Lula’s victory is remarkable because he still finished behind Bolsonaro during the first round of elections on 4 October. Bolsonaro then received 47.03 percent of valid votes, while Lula remained at 45.16 percent.

As neither candidate obtained an absolute majority, Brazilians had to return to the polls on Sunday. In the decisive second round, Lula managed to turn the deficit into a victory.

The elections were marked by major political differences. Lula campaigned with an emphasis on social services, income support and economic measures for households. Bolsonaro, meanwhile, focused on security, taxes, economic changes and a different course from the current government.

The election campaign was also influenced by the political legacy of former president Jair Bolsonaro, Flávio Bolsonaro’s father.

Voting extended due to transport problems and heavy rainfall

The election process did not proceed entirely without problems. Difficulties arose in several parts of Brazil due to heavy rainfall and problems with public transport. Both presidential candidates therefore requested an extension of voting.

Justice Cristiano Zanin of the Brazilian Supreme Court decided to extend polling station opening hours by two hours, until 7 p.m. The decision caused confusion, as some polling stations had already closed at that time. The count was temporarily suspended and later resumed. Possible legal action in response to the course of voting cannot be ruled out.

Historic fourth term

With his re-election, Lula makes history as the first Brazilian president to have won the presidency four times through elections. He previously governed from 2003 to 2010 and returned as head of state in January 2023, after defeating Jair Bolsonaro in 2022.

The new victory means that the Arbeiderspartij remains in power in Latin America’s largest economy. Lula will, however, have to take into account a politically divided country and a parliament in which conservative parties hold an important position.

Significance for the region and Suriname

The continuation of Lula’s presidency is also significant for the South American region. Brazil plays an important role within regional cooperation bodies and in matters concerning trade, border security, infrastructure and the protection of the Amazon region.

Brazil remains an important regional partner for Suriname. The countries maintain relations in the areas of trade, security, diplomacy and cross-border cooperation.

The concrete consequences of the election result for this cooperation remain to be seen. With Lula’s re-election, the same president will in any case remain at the head of the Brazilian government.