Elections in Brazil: A night between jubilation and mistrust

Elections in Brazil A night between jubilation and distrust As of: October 26, 2026 • 7:34 a.m

Fireworks and tears of joy - in Brazil, supporters celebrate Lula's election victory as a success for democracy. But while some are breathing a sigh of relief, others are warning about the political fight that is only now beginning.

It was around 8:30 p.m. local time when Lula's supporters erupted in cheers. What no one had thought possible a few weeks ago happened: the left-wing incumbent took the lead in the count and continued to expand his lead.

Tears of joy, fireworks, celebrating like during carnival - also at the Para São Salvador in Rio de Janeiro. "Brazil, sovereignty, democracy, we won, Brazil won," a woman cheers.

But a Lula supporter is also skeptical. It is a triumphant moment. But the fight doesn't end here. "Why? Because Bolsonaro's people have the majority in Congress and the Senate and have already declared that they will not accept the result of this election."

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Lula has achieved a historic turning point. Since 1989, no candidate has ever managed to turn a first-round deficit into a victory. The Brazilians had voted to "secure democracy," said Lula, visibly moved and successful.

He first thanked his Vice President Gerardo Alckmin. He thanked him straight away: "My deep respect. You saved Brazilian democracy for the second time."

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The almost 81-year-old Lula was able to win around ten million new votes compared to the first round. This may also have something to do with the massive mobilization of his supporters in the past few days - both on the streets and via social media. Voter turnout was historically high.

Lula said with emotion: "These elections have taught me many lessons, really many lessons." He assured that his government would change the way this country is governed.

"I want to tell you that we will involve the people more in our decisions and that digital communication will play a very important role in my government," said Lula.

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A few minutes later, Flávio Bolsonaro appears in front of the cameras in Brasilia with a stone-faced look. He will not recognize the result of the election. That is impossible under the given circumstances. Bolsonaro said he would request the annulment of these elections.

"It's all quite a game here. I won't accept that the rules of the game have been changed again in the middle of the game by Lula's friends at the Supreme Court." It is inexplicable that something like this could happen.

What happened? The Supreme Court extended voting nationwide by two hours on Sunday. However, the background was complaints from both candidates to the electoral court, which supported the decision. Lula's campaign team reported problems with local transport in the state of Bahía. This resulted in voters not coming to the polling stations.

Bolsonaro had also spoken out in favor of extending voting. He referred to heavy rains in the south and southeast of Brazil, where he enjoys particularly strong support. However, the election could only be extended in those locations where the polls were not yet closed.

The president of the electoral court, Kassio Nunes Marques, said there was no reason to question the electoral process.

After the victory in the first round of voting, the Bolsonaro camp was confident of victory in the runoff election - none of this is normal, says Bolsonaro voter Larissa Abreu from Barra da Tijuca. Unfortunately, there are major doubts about the entire electoral process. “Again we are experiencing a day like this, which creates great doubt and mistrust,” she said.

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Lula's victory slows a wave of right-wing electoral successes in Latin America and thwarts US President Donald Trump's hopes of finding another ally in the region.

Despite the election victory, President Lula now faces massive challenges, says political scientist Oliver Stuenkel from the Carnegie Foundation for International Peace in Washington. Especially because Bolsonaro's Liberal Party is the strongest force in Congress.

“The left-wing parties have lost weight in Congress, especially in the Senate, and it will be difficult to find majorities capable of governing,” says Stuenkel. The regional environment is also extremely unfavorable. The vast majority of neighboring countries are ruled by right-wing presidents.

“There is also a bilateral crisis with the United States, which could increase the pressure even further through sanctions or tariffs,” explains the political scientist. "So it's a very difficult situation in which expectations - also given the great uncertainty that currently prevails in Europe - are actually very low."

This topic in the program: tagesschau.de | Lula wins runoff election in Brazil - Bolsonaro calls for cancellation | Oct 26, 2026 | 6:37 a.m