Lula Da Silva Defies Odds, Wins Brazil Presidential Elections

There was growing skepticism on whether he would be able to pull it off but Lula da Silva managed to prove doubters wrong.

The 77-year-old won the Brazilian Presidential elections, garnering 50.9% of the votes over Bolsonaro’s 49.1%. It was branded as a stunning comeback for Lula following a tight race on Sunday, Oct. 30, CNN reported.

His victory also puts an end to Bolsonaro’s four-year reign as the country’s president. It also signifies the return of the left to power after Lula was caught in a series of allegations of corruption that resulted in him being jailed for 580 days.

These sentences were later annulled by the Supreme Court, clearing the way for Lula to once again run for the country’s presidency.

“They tried to bury me alive and I’m here,” Lula said in a speech to journalists and supporters on Sunday. “Starting on January 1, 2023, I will govern for the 215 million Brazilians, not just the ones who voted for me. There are not two Brazils. We are one country, one people, one great nation,” he added.

Since the official results were announced, Lula has received congratulations from leaders all over the globe. That includes United States President Joe Biden who mentioned that the result came "following free, fair, and credible elections."

Biden also added that he is looking forward to continuing cooperation.

Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his sincere congratulations to Lula da Silva, adding that the results confirmed Lula's "impressive political authority."

Narendra Modi of India also looked forward to deepening ties with Brazil, something that was similarly aired by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

"I look forward to working together on the issues that matter to the UK and Brazil, from growing the global economy to protecting the planet's natural resources and promoting democratic values," Sunak tweeted.

This will be Lula’s third term, after previously governing Brazil for two consecutive terms between 2003 and 2010.