BRAZIL’S LULA CLINCHES POLL VICTORY, BOLSONARO SEEKS TO ANNUL ELECTION

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured re-election, but his challenger, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, has rejected the result and announced plans to seek its annulment.

Official results showed Lula winning about 51.8 per cent of the vote against Bolsonaro’s 48.2 per cent, a margin of roughly 4.4 million votes.

The victory gives Lula a fourth presidential term after a closely fought campaign.

However, voting ended amid confusion following a Supreme Court decision to extend polling by two hours. Some polling stations had already closed when the ruling was communicated.

Lula had requested additional time over concerns that transport disruptions prevented people from voting. Bolsonaro also sought extensions in some areas affected by heavy rain but later criticised the decision.

“It is impossible to recognize the results. I am going to request the annulment of these elections,” Bolsonaro said.

Lula welcomed the outcome, crediting voter mobilisation, while supporters celebrated in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

His challenger is Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The announced challenge does not itself overturn the official election result.