Brazil Election Results: Lula Da Silva Returns To Power, Says Brazil Will Not Be Under Anyone’s Influence

New Delhi: Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made a spectacular comeback and won the Brazilian presidential election. After losing in the first round, Lula defeated right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro in the second round. In the results of the voting held on October 25, Lula got about 51.8 percent of the valid votes, while Flavio Bolsonaro got 48.2 percent of the votes. With this victory, 80-year-old Lula is going to become president for the fourth time in the history of Brazil. His new term will start in January 2027. The election results have also exposed the deep divide between left and right politics in the country.  

How did Lula reverse the results after losing in the first round?

Flavio Bolsonaro had taken the lead in the first round of elections. Due to this, questions started being raised about Lula's political comeback. But before the second round, Lula's party intensified the campaign and raised issues like inflation, employment, social security and strengthening of democratic institutions among the voters. In the results, Lula got a lead of about 44 lakh votes. After the restoration of democracy in Brazil, this is considered an extraordinary electoral reversal, because the candidate who was behind in the first round was successful in winning in the second round.  

Why did the controversy arise during voting?

There were reports of chaos and transport problems at polling stations in some areas on polling day. After this, a Supreme Court judge ordered the extension of the voting time by two hours. Lula's side cited constraints in the availability of buses in some cities, while Flavio Bolsonaro also sought to extend voting hours in rain-affected areas. However, he later questioned the decision to extend the time and refused to accept the results and demanded cancellation of the elections. The final legal status on his charges remains to be clarified. 

What impact will Lula's victory have on Brazilian politics?

Lula's victory comes at a time when the influence of right-wing leaders has increased in many countries of Latin America. Amidst the rise of right-wing politics in Argentina, Chile, Peru and other countries, the return of leftist leadership in Brazil is considered important from the point of view of regional politics. Lula emphasised national sovereignty in his election campaign and said that Brazil is not a nation subject to the influence of any other country. His stance is also important in the context of US President Donald Trump's policies and business pressure.  

What challenges will Lula face in his fourth term?

The biggest challenges facing Lula include inflation, rising cost of living, crime and political polarisation. His previous tenure was marked by reductions in unemployment and inflation and efforts to tackle poverty, but many voters are still concerned about the high cost of living and security. Additionally, the government may struggle to build consensus on its policies due to the strong presence of right-wing parties in Parliament. Nearly 48 percent of the votes received by Flavio Bolsonaro in the elections also show that a large part of the country wants change. In such a situation, it will be important for Lula to take the country along amidst political opposition.