Brazil Election Bolsonaro
In short
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a fourth term in the Brazilian presidential runoff, securing 51.8% of the valid votes as of 26 October 2026.
What is happening
Lula da Silva defeated Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a runoff election that split the country almost evenly. While Bolsonaro's party has recognised the victory, Flávio Bolsonaro and various international right-wing figures have disputed the results, claiming the election was rigged.
When
The runoff election took place in October 2026.
Why it matters
The result halts a recent trend of conservative victories across Latin America. The refusal of the Bolsonaro camp to concede creates political tension and market volatility in Brazil.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse the former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently imprisoned, with his son Flávio Bolsonaro, who ran in this election.