Lula wins Brazil runoff with 51.7% to Flávio Bolsonaro’s 48.2%

Briefing by News4U · First published 2026-10-26 07:01:51 UTC

Leftist President Lula narrowly defeats right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil’s presidential runoff, securing a fourth term after a tight vote and extended polling.

Leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro, securing 51.7% of the vote to 48.2% and a fourth non-consecutive term, official results showed. [1] [2] [3]

The vote was extended by two hours after Lula cited bus disruptions and Bolsonaro cited heavy rains; the Supreme Court granted the nationwide extension. [1] [2]

Lula, who turns 81 this week, overcame a first-round defeat with an online campaign push; Jair Bolsonaro, Flávio’s father, is serving a 27-year sentence for coup plotting. [1] [2] [4]

Sources

1. Brazil rejects Bolsonaro heir to re-elect Lula in closely fought election

   SBS News · 2026-10-26 01:14:23 UTC · Full text

2. Brazilian leftist President Lula wins reelection against conservative challenger Flavio Bolsonaro

   DW English · 2026-10-26 01:22:00 UTC · Excerpt

3. What to Know About Brazil’s Election as Bolsonaro Faces Off With Lula

   NY Times · 2026-10-26 06:11:05 UTC · Summary only

4. How Lula turned his election fortunes around in three weeks

   Financial Times · 2026-10-26 06:14:35 UTC · Summary only

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