Brazil poll: Bolsonaro loses second term bid as Lula makes comeback

Luiz ‘Lula’ da Silva, former Brazilian president, has defeated Jair Bolsonaro, the incumbent leader, in the country’s presidential elections.

In the fiercely contested election, the former two-term president raked in 50.9 percent of the votes compared to 49.1 percent for Bolsonaro.

The results spell a change in Brazil’s political administration from right wing to the left wing.

Da Silva was announced the winner on Sunday after he was jailed and banned from running for office in 2018. 

He had been found guilty of receiving a bribe from a Brazilian construction firm for contracts with the country’s oil company.

Da Silva spent 580 days in jail before his conviction was annulled and he returned to the political fray.

“They tried to bury me alive and here I am,” he said in his victory speech.

Following his victory, world leaders have been congratulating the 77-year-old politician.

“I send my congratulations to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his election to be the next president of Brazil following free, fair, and credible elections,” US President Joe Biden said.

“I look forward to working together to continue the cooperation between our two countries in the months and years ahead.”

Justin Trudeau, Canadian prime minister, said he anticipates working with the Brazilian leader on mutual priorities, such as protecting the environment.

“The people of Brazil have spoken. I’m looking forward to working with  @LulaOficial to strengthen the partnership between our countries, to deliver results for Canadians and Brazilians, and to advance shared priorities – like protecting the environment. Congratulations, Lula!” he tweeted.

Bolsonaro is yet to concede defeat or make any public statement following the announcement of the results.

His silence has created the impression that he may contest the result since he has repeatedly claimed Brazil’s electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud.