Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (known as Lula) has secured a historic fourth term in office after defeating conservative challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested presidential election, overturning a first-round defeat and extending the rule of his left-wing Workers’ Party.

Lula won 51.8% of the vote in Sunday’s run-off election, compared with Bolsonaro’s 48.2%, according to Brazil’s electoral authorities. The result gives Lula approximately 64.3 million votes against Bolsonaro’s 59.8 million, a margin of more than four million votes.

The victory marks the first time in Brazil’s modern democratic history that a presidential candidate has recovered from a first-round defeat to win the second round. Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, had led the opening round with 47.0% against Lula’s 45.2%.

The election campaign was dominated by concerns over living costs, crime, government spending, and Brazil’s relationship with the United States. Lula recovered ground in the final weeks through increased campaigning, social media mobilisation, and promises to expand social assistance and provide debt relief to struggling households.

Bolsonaro has refused to concede defeat and threatened legal action following a controversial decision by Brazil’s Supreme Court to extend voting hours by two hours in some areas. Electoral authorities have maintained that the extension did not affect the outcome.

Lula’s victory represents a setback for American President Donald Trump, who has supported the Bolsonaro family and sought closer relations with conservative governments across Latin America. Lula has instead maintained strong relations with China and pursued an independent foreign policy through organisations including the BRICS bloc.

Despite his victory, Lula faces a difficult fourth term. Brazil’s Congress remains dominated by conservative and centrist forces, potentially limiting his ability to advance economic reforms and expand government programmes.

The result leaves Brazil politically divided, with nearly half of voters backing Bolsonaro, and Lula facing continued pressure over government finances, economic growth, and public security.