Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured a historic fourth non-consecutive term in office after defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in the country’s presidential run-off election.
Lula’s victory has attracted reactions from political leaders across the world, with several presidents and politicians congratulating him and expressing hope for stronger diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and democratic governance.
The election result, announced on Sunday, October 25, 2026, was celebrated by Lula’s supporters, who flooded the streets to mark his return to power.
However, Flávio Bolsonaro has called for the election to be annulled, describing a two-hour extension of voting time as unacceptable. The extension was granted by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin, although both presidential candidates had reportedly requested additional time for voting.
The dispute has sparked criticism from some conservative figures in the United States, while several progressive politicians have praised the outcome as a victory for democracy.
World Leaders Congratulate Lula
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated Lula in a message posted on X, declaring that democracy had prevailed and that the Brazilian people had won.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also congratulated the Brazilian president, expressing optimism about strengthening relations between Canada and Brazil.
Carney said both countries should seize the opportunity to expand trade, create new business opportunities, protect the environment and improve prosperity for their citizens.
Reactions From The United States
Reactions in the United States were divided, with conservative and progressive politicians expressing contrasting views about Lula’s victory.
Donald Trump Jr., son of US President Donald Trump, criticised the election process, focusing on the two-hour extension of voting time. He argued that the American mainstream media would have reacted differently if a conservative government had been involved in a similar situation.
Meanwhile, progressive Senator Bernie Sanders congratulated Lula on what he described as an extraordinary re-election victory.
Sanders praised the Brazilian president for standing up for workers and democracy, adding that he expected Lula to continue doing so during his next four years in office.
US Congressman Ro Khanna also welcomed the result, describing it as part of a wider global resistance against extremism. He argued that authoritarian leaders often attack democratic institutions because they fear the will of the people.
Khanna further urged President Donald Trump to respect the election outcome and avoid undermining Brazil’s electoral process.
