Lula defeats Bolsonaro in Brazil runoff; Bolsonaro disputes result

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a second-round election victory over challenger Flávio Bolsonaro, securing a fourth term beginning in 2027. Bolsonaro refused to accept the result, citing a two-hour extension of voting hours authorized by a Supreme Court justice. Lula won with 51.79% of the vote, gaining over 64 million votes, while Bolsonaro received 48.23%. The president reduced abstention by mobilizing supporters through street rallies and social media, particularly targeting undecided voters and the Northeast region. Bolsonaro's campaign failed to secure enough third-party voter transfers. Bolsonaro's defeat means his father, jailed former President Jair Bolsonaro, will not receive the amnesty he promised. The loss raises questions about the future of the Bolsonaro political dynasty, with other right-wing figures seeking leadership. Lula faces a hostile Congress controlled by right-wing parties and potential tensions with the Trump administration.