Brasília, 26 October (H.S.): Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured a historic fourth presidential term, defeating right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested run-off election held on Sunday. The victory marks a significant political comeback for the 80-year-old left-wing leader, whose campaign was dominated by concerns over inflation, crime, corruption and the cost of living.

According to Brazil’s electoral authorities, Lula secured approximately 51.77 per cent of the valid votes, compared with 48.23 per cent for Flávio Bolsonaro, with nearly all ballots counted. The result reversed the outcome of the first round, in which Bolsonaro had finished ahead of the incumbent.

Lula, a former factory worker and leader of the Workers’ Party (PT), will continue to lead Latin America’s largest economy after returning to the presidency in 2023. He previously governed Brazil from 2003 to 2010 and will have completed a total of 16 years in office by the end of his new term.

The election outcome represents an unprecedented development in Brazil’s modern presidential elections. Since the return of direct presidential elections in 1989, no candidate had previously won the presidency after finishing second in the first round.

The campaign unfolded against a backdrop of public concern over rising living costs, public safety and allegations of corruption. Lula faced a challenging contest as voters weighed his record on social welfare and economic policy against persistent concerns about inflation and crime.

Flávio Bolsonaro, a senator and the son of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, made law and order a central theme of his campaign. He also pledged to reduce food prices and presented himself as an alternative to the incumbent’s left-wing political agenda.

Both candidates faced political scrutiny over allegations involving family members and associates. Lula himself was previously convicted in corruption cases and spent more than a year in prison before the convictions were annulled. Those legal developments had remained a significant feature of Brazil’s political debate.

The run-off result was closely watched as an indicator of the country’s political direction, with the contest reflecting a deep divide between supporters of the left and the right. Lula’s victory also dealt a setback to the Bolsonaro political movement, which had sought to return the family to the presidency after Jair Bolsonaro lost the 2022 election to Lula.

**Foreign policy and Brazil’s global role**

Lula’s re-election is also expected to have implications for Brazil’s international relations. He has consistently emphasised national sovereignty, advocated a more independent foreign policy and called for stronger cooperation among developing countries through the Global South.

His administration has also supported closer economic and diplomatic engagement with China, one of Brazil’s major trading partners. Brazil’s approach to international affairs under Lula has generally placed emphasis on multilateral cooperation and a more prominent role for developing nations in global decision-making.

Lula began his political career as a labour union leader in the 1970s, representing industrial workers before helping establish the Workers’ Party. His rise from a factory worker and trade union organiser to the country’s highest elected office has been a defining feature of his political identity.

The election victory strengthens his position at the head of Brazil’s government, although the administration will continue to face challenges related to the cost of living, public security, political polarisation and demands for economic stability.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar