Lula, Brazil's iconic working class president, wins historic fourth term in dramatic comeback
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured a fourth term as Brazil's president, overcoming a challenge from Flávio Bolsonaro. The victory is seen as a major political comeback that challenges the recent right-wing trend in Latin American politics.
Why it matters
Lula's return to power is a pivotal moment for Brazilian governance and its role in the global political landscape.
A shock comeback returns Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to power for a fourth term, bucking polls and slowing Latin America’s right-wing surge.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking reelection, waves after voting in the presidential runoff in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, on Oct 25, 2026. (Photo: AP/Andre Penner)
SAO PAULO: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won a historic fourth term on Sunday (Oct 25), the country's electoral court said, in a shock result that defied polls, precedent and global anti-incumbent sentiment to put the brakes on a wave of right-wing election victories across Latin America.
Lula, an icon of the global left and the most dominant force in Brazilian politics this century, defeated Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
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