Kumar Bahukhandi
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, seen in this file photograph, wins a historic fourth presidential term after defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil’s runoff election on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Photo: Sergio Lima/AFP.
Workers’ Party leader overturns a first-round deficit in a closely contested election, dealing a setback to the Bolsonaro family’s bid to return to power.
Key Highlights
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wins an unprecedented fourth presidential term.
- The 80-year-old incumbent defeats Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in the October 25 runoff.
- Lula secures approximately 51.8 per cent of valid votes, according to reported results.
- The victory follows a campaign dominated by living costs, crime and corruption.
- Lula becomes the first presidential candidate since the restoration of direct elections in 1989 to win a runoff after finishing second in the first round.
Brasília: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secures a historic fourth presidential term, defeating right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested runoff on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The victory gives the veteran Workers’ Party leader another mandate after a campaign shaped by concerns over household expenses, public security and corruption.
Close Contest Ends in Lula’s Favour
Lula, an 80-year-old former factory worker and trade union leader, overturns a first-round deficit to retain the presidency.
The figures cited in the initial report put him at 51.76 per cent of valid votes against Bolsonaro’s 48.24 per cent, with 99.77 per cent counted. Subsequent reporting places his share at approximately 51.8 per cent.
Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reports that Datafolha projected Lula’s victory before confirmation by the Superior Electoral Court. With almost all polling stations reporting, the remaining ballots could no longer reverse the outcome.
Historic Comeback After First-Round Deficit
The result marks a significant electoral turnaround. Lula entered the runoff after finishing behind Flávio Bolsonaro in the first round, but regained ground during the final weeks of campaigning.
According to reporting on the result, he becomes the first candidate since Brazil restored direct presidential elections in 1989 to win the presidency after placing second in the opening round. His campaign’s mobilisation of supporters helped deliver an unprecedented fourth election victory.
Setback for Bolsonaro Family’s Return Bid
Flávio Bolsonaro’s defeat frustrates his family’s attempt to regain the presidency following the conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro over an attempted coup.
However, the challenger refuses to concede and seeks to contest the election, objecting to a decision extending voting hours. Electoral officials say the extension did not alter the outcome, according to Associated Press reporting.
Fourth Mandate Extends a Long Political Career
Lula previously served two presidential terms from 2003 to 2010 before returning to office in January 2023 following his victory in the 2022 election.
The latest result extends a political career rooted in organised labour and the Workers’ Party. Completion of another four-year term would take his cumulative time as president to 16 years.
Economic Concerns Remain Central
The election leaves Lula facing the challenge of governing a deeply divided country while responding to the economic and security concerns that shaped the campaign.
His renewed mandate comes with continuing pressure to address living costs and household financial insecurity, alongside the political task of working with a conservative-dominated Congress
