Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a fourth presidential term, defeating his right wing rival Flávio Bolsonaro, who has vowed to challenge the result.
Official results from Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court showed Lula winning 51.79 per cent of valid votes, against Bolsonaro’s 48.21 per cent.
Bolsonaro rejected the outcome and said he would seek to have the election annulled.
His challenge followed a decision to extend voting hours by two hours in some areas after reports of transport disruptions and heavy rainfall.
Both candidates had requested extra voting time, but Bolsonaro later described the decision as unacceptable.
However, the head of Brazil’s electoral court said the extension did not affect the final result.
Lula celebrated his victory with supporters in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, saying voters had turned out to protect democracy.
The 80 year old leader is expected to begin his new term on January 5, 2027.
He also pledged to defend Brazil’s independence, saying the country would not accept being treated as another nation’s “backyard.”
His new term comes amid concerns over the cost of living, crime and political divisions.
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