Lula prevails in Brazil but Flávio Bolsonaro refuses to concede

Washington - U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Monday that Brazil's recent elections were "rigged," following his ally Flavio Bolsonaro's call for the annulment of the victory by leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Lula, who will turn 81 on Tuesday, achieved a remarkable comeback after losing to Bolsonaro in the first-round vote, sparking a surge of support among leftists on the streets and social media to secure his fourth term.

Lula garnered approximately 4.4 million more votes than his rival. Flavio Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, expressed dissatisfaction after polling was extended nationwide by two hours due to transportation issues, prompting him to request that polling stations remain open in certain regions due to heavy rain.

Despite conceding defeat, Flavio Bolsonaro deemed the extension "unacceptable" and a "dirty trick." While Lula received congratulatory messages from world leaders across the political spectrum, Trump, a former ally of the Bolsonaro family, stated that the election appeared "terrible" and "corrupt" due to the extension. Flavio Bolsonaro alleged that Brazilian police had demanded he surrender his passports, claiming it was based on his brother's assertion that he would leave the country if his brother lost the election.

The brother had allegedly discussed this idea on a U.S. podcast prior to the vote. Brazilian authorities are investigating Flavio Bolsonaro for corruption related to the financing of a biopic about his father. Despite maintaining his intention to challenge the presidential election results, Flavio Bolsonaro also declared himself the leader of the opposition.

The right-wing candidate's rejection of the results mirrored his father's refusal to accept defeat in the 2022 elections, which led to violent clashes between his supporters and authorities. Lula's reinvigorated campaign, centered on the slogan "Never Again Bolsonaro" and urging citizens to vote, saw a decline in abstention and spoiled/blank votes.

Lula's supporters hailed the victory as a triumph for democracy, with tens of thousands gathering in Sao Paulo to celebrate.