Lula Wins Fourth Term as Flávio Bolsonaro Flees to U.S.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a historic fourth non-consecutive term in Brazil's October 25 runoff election, defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro with approximately 51.8% of the vote. The victory marked a rare political comeback, as Lula had trailed Bolsonaro in the first round on October 4. His win was driven by a massive digital mobilization via the "Lula's Army" WhatsApp network and strong support in urban centers and the northeast.

The election was marred by chaos and allegations of interference. Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin ordered a nationwide two-hour extension of polling hours due to transportation failures and heavy rains. Flávio Bolsonaro initially refused to concede, calling the extension a "dirty trick" and demanding the results be annulled. However, his party, the Liberal Party, eventually recognized the outcome.

Following the defeat, Flávio Bolsonaro was ordered by Justice Alexandre de Moraes to surrender his passports amid a money-laundering investigation. Despite this, Bolsonaro fled to the United States, where the Trump administration granted him and his family visas. U.S. President Donald Trump questioned the election's legitimacy, describing it as "rigged," while global leaders from China, India, and the EU congratulated Lula.

Lula enters his new term facing a polarized nation and a conservative-led Congress. Financial markets reacted sharply to the result, with the Brazilian real plunging and the Bovespa index hitting circuit breakers. Lula has pledged to maintain Brazilian sovereignty, protect the Amazon rainforest, and strengthen ties with the Global South and China.