Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory in the second round of Brazil’s presidential election safeguards the country’s path towards determining its own destiny and contributing to the construction of a less unequal international order.

For me, his victory over Flávio Bolsonaro also represents a defeat for the project of subordinating Brazilian foreign policy to the priorities of the United States and Israel. The ballot box has renewed the responsibility to translate diplomatic independence into development, solidarity and the defence of peace.

According to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Lula secured 64,256,232 votes, representing 51.79 per cent of valid ballots, against Flávio Bolsonaro’s 59,826,041 votes, or 48.21 per cent — a margin of 4,430,191 votes. In the first round, Lula had trailed his opponent, receiving 45.16 per cent compared with Bolsonaro’s 47.03 per cent.

According to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Lula secured 64,256,232 votes, representing 51.79 per cent of valid ballots, against Flávio Bolsonaro’s 59,826,041 votes, or 48.21 per cent — a margin of 4,430,191 votes. In the first round, Lula had trailed his opponent, receiving 45.16 per cent compared with Bolsonaro’s 47.03 per cent.

Overturning this deficit demonstrated the campaign’s ability to mobilise society once again, increasing its vote by more than ten million between the two rounds.

Lula’s victory strengthens the prospects for a foreign policy committed to the Global South, expanding economic, scientific and cultural partnerships while advocating international institutions that better represent developing countries.

Strengthening BRICS is central to this........

© Middle East Monitor