Lula da Silva Wins Unprecedented Fourth Term as Brazil's President

Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was reelected president for an unprecedented fourth term, defeating right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro with 51.8 percent of valid votes, according to the Superior Electoral Court. The victory defied projections and relieves critics of US influence, leaving Mexico and Brazil with left-of-center leaders. Lula, who turns 81 Tuesday, overcame voter discontent over corruption scandals and economic challenges to secure the win. Lula's comeback follows a career of reversals, including a 2018-2019 jail term later overturned, enabling his 2022 defeat of Flavio's father, Jair Bolsonaro. Supporters celebrated in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro after the result was confirmed.