Lula defeats Bolsonaro in Brazil's presidential run-off

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defeated right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in Sunday's presidential run-off, securing over 51 percent of the vote with more than 64 million ballots cast, according to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court. Bolsonaro received 48 percent, or over 59 million votes, with more than 4 million ballots separating the candidates. Lula's victory marks the first time in modern Brazilian history that a candidate lost the first round but won the second, with his allies calling it a "historic turning point for democracy." The vote was marred by allegations of voter suppression after reports of suspended public transport in some areas, and polls stayed open two hours late due to heavy rains. Lula, 80, will be sworn in on January 5, 2027, for an unprecedented fourth non-consecutive term, though he faces a right-wing Congress and potential challenges from Bolsonaro's base and the Trump administration.