Lula da Silva wins Brazil runoff after first-round defeat

Brazil's electoral authority reports Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been re-elected president, marking the first time a candidate won after losing the first round. With 97.69% of votes counted, Lula secured 51.74% against Flavio Bolsonaro's 48.26%. Bolsonaro had led the first round, receiving 47.04% of votes versus Lula's 45.15% after 99.99% of ballots were tallied, forcing a runoff as neither surpassed 50%. Lula acknowledged expecting a first-round win but said he is "very good in playoffs." The runoff result reverses the initial advantage, with Lula's victory confirmed as the final outcome. This development marks a significant shift in Brazil's presidential race, with the incumbent securing a second term.