Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wins Brazilian presidential runoff election

Leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a historic fourth term in a runoff election against conservative challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro has stated he will ask for the vote to be annulled following a Supreme Court decision to extend voting by two hours across Brazil. Lula's victory marks a setback to the Bolsonaro family's hopes of returning to the presidency after former President Jair Bolsonaro was convicted over an attempted coup. The race was expected to be close, with polls ahead of the vote showing Bolsonaro holding a slight advantage. The result could shift Brazil's economic policies, approach to crime and security, and relationship with the United States. Barring any legal challenges, the Superior Electoral Court must certify the results by December 18, with the inauguration scheduled for January 5. Lula's victory bucks a recent right-wing trend in Latin America, where leftist governments have lost ground in countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Regional leaders, including the presidents of Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Panama, have offered congratulations to Lula. In 2022, Jair Bolsonaro unsuccessfully contested his election loss to Lula, and was later convicted of plotting a coup. The winning margin for Lula was 51.8% to 48.2%. Legal experts suggest that while the losing side may challenge the results based on the extension of voting hours, the probability of the courts annulling the election is considered low. In his victory speech, Lula stated he would govern for all 215 million Brazilians and work with the conservative Congress. He also emphasized the need to safeguard democracy and regulate digital platforms, declaring that Brazil is no one's backyard.