Official results from Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court showed Lula winning 51.79 per cent of valid votes, compared with 48.21 per cent for Bolsonaro. The result gives Lula a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term and marks a major political comeback.

The victory drew congratulatory messages from leaders across Latin America, Europe and Asia, with many expressing hope for stronger diplomatic, economic and environmental cooperation with Brazil.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the outcome, describing it as a victory for democracy and the Brazilian people. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel also congratulated Lula, calling the result historic and linking it to Brazil’s pursuit of peace, sovereignty and social justice.

Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi said he had spoken with Lula to congratulate him on the result and praised the democratic process. Argentina’s former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner also celebrated the victory, crediting Lula with rallying support among Brazilian voters.

The result received a welcome from several conservative leaders as well. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa called for cooperation between the two countries, arguing that regional challenges would be easier to address through joint efforts.

Chile’s President José Antonio Kast also congratulated Lula and highlighted opportunities for closer relations, including economic integration and efforts to tackle organised crime. Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori praised Brazil’s democratic process and expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation on trade, regional integration and sustainable development in the Amazon.

In Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Lula’s victory as a win for democracy and multilateralism. French President Emmanuel Macron called for stronger strategic ties between France and Brazil, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the result as an encouraging sign for progressive politics.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Lula, expressing interest in deepening the strategic partnership between India and Brazil. China, another important partner of Brazil through the BRICS grouping, said it was ready to continue strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

In the United States, Senator Bernie Sanders praised Lula’s record on workers’ rights and democracy, expressing confidence that the Brazilian leader would continue pursuing those priorities during his new term.

Lula’s victory comes amid a broader political shift across Latin America, where conservative candidates and parties have made gains in several countries. His re-election, however, demonstrates that the region’s political direction remains contested rather than uniform.

The result also carries implications for Brazil’s international relationships, particularly its engagement with China, the United States and other major economies. As one of Latin America’s largest economies, Brazil plays an important role in regional diplomacy, climate discussions and global economic cooperation.

Although Flávio Bolsonaro did not accept the outcome and challenged aspects of the electoral process, Brazil’s electoral authority declared Lula the winner. The coming months will test the government’s ability to maintain political stability and deliver on its economic and social commitments.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia