Lula pulls off Brazil’s first-ever run-off comeback to beat Trump ally Flavio Bolsonaro

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured re-election on Sunday in a dramatic election comeback, despite trailing in the first round. Lula garnered 51.76% of the valid votes, while his right-wing opponent, Flavio Bolsonaro, garnered 48.24%. This marked the first time since 1989 that a candidate who initially trailed in the first round had won a run-off.

The Superior Electoral Court stated that 99.83% of the votes had been counted. An unexpected order from a Supreme Court justice extended voting by two hours after polls had officially closed, a first in Brazil's electoral history. The extension was prompted by a complaint from Lula's campaign about the restrictions faced by poorer voters in certain areas.

Flavio Bolsonaro's lawyers had also requested extensions in 17 flooded municipalities. Despite the confusion, Lula seized the opportunity to emphasize his government's achievements, such as record Chinese investment in Brazil. This victory ensures Brazil remains outside the orbit of Trump-aligned governments, including Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.

Lula, now 80 years old, will begin his fourth term in January, extending the rule of the government that has overseen the country's economic growth.