Lula defeats Bolsonaro in Brazil's runoff election despite Trump interference claims
Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won Brazil's presidential runoff election, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro, despite alleged interference from Donald Trump in the campaign. Lula, 80, secured victory against Bolsonaro, 45, and struck a conciliatory tone, stating he must govern for 214 million people. Bolsonaro, who received nearly half the votes, denounced the result as a "dirty trick" and demanded the election be invalidated, while Lula supporters celebrated in São Paulo. The contentious campaign was marked by corruption scandals, voter suppression allegations, and claims of US influence. Election day saw disputes over extended voting hours and accusations of a "judicial coup" from both sides, with tensions echoing the January 2023 riots by Bolsonaro supporters.