Lula Re-elected President of Brazil; Bolsonaro and Trump Are Not Happy About It

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has once again won Brazil. The outgoing president won the runoff election against Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, securing 51.79% of the vote compared to his opponent’s 48.21%. It was a historic comeback for the leader of Brazil’s left, who has thus secured his fourth—though not consecutive—presidential term and is celebrating his victory on his 81st birthday.

The result, however, immediately ushers in a new phase of political tension. Flávio Bolsonaro has in fact announced that he will not recognize the election results and will seek to have the vote annulled. Donald Trump has also spoken out to challenge the integrity of the electoral process, casting doubt on the outcome of the election.

At the heart of the challenger’s protests is the decision to extend polling station hours by two hours. The measure was adopted by the Electoral Court to allow voters who had encountered difficulties reaching the polling stations to exercise their right to vote.

“It is impossible to accept the result of this election under these conditions. I will request that the election be annulled,” declared Flávio Bolsonaro in his first speech following his defeat. The candidate accused the authorities of changing the rules during the election, claiming that the decision was made to benefit Lula.