After former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defeated incumbent far-right Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential election, Brazil has shifted to the left.
Lula received 50.9% of the vote after a tumultuous election in which two enmities from opposing political parties squared off.
It was sufficient to defeat Jair Bolsonaro, whose backers had predicted victory.
However, the division that this election has brought to light is unlikely to go away.
For a politician who was incarcerated and prohibited from running in the 2018 presidential election, it is an astounding comeback.
He had been convicted of accepting a bribe from a Brazilian construction company in exchange for contracts with Petrobras, the country’s state-owned oil giant.
Before his conviction was overturned and he was allowed to leave prison after 580 days, Lula engaged in politics again.
He began his victory speech by saying, “They wanted to bury me alive and here I am.
Five facts about Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- 77 years old
- Left-wing
- Former metal worker
- President from 2003-2010
- Imprisoned in 2018 but conviction was later thrown out
He was predicted to win the election by opinion polls from the beginning, but since his lead in the first round was much smaller than expected, many Brazilians began to question their accuracy.
Encouraged by their candidate’s claims that “the establishment” and the media were against him and underplaying his popularity, Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters had entire faith in his triumph.
These Bolsonaro supporters, who frequently refer to Lula as “a thief,” are likely to be miffed by the left-wing leaders’ success. They contend that the annulment of his conviction does not prove his innocence, merely that the necessary legal procedure was not followed.
But Lula, who held power for two terms between January 2003 and December 2010, is experienced in creating political coalitions.
He selected Geraldo Alckmin, a longtime competitor of Lula’s who competed against him in earlier elections, to be his vice presidential running mate.
His decision to put together a “unity” ticket appears to have worked off and won over voters who might not have otherwise thought about supporting his Workers’ Party.
He used a conciliatory tone in his victory address, promising to rule for all Brazilians, not just those who supported him.
“This nation needs harmony and tranquilly. This populace no longer desires to engage in combat, “he added.
Putin Congratulates Lula on his stunning victory
On Monday, Brazilian President-elect Lula received congratulations from Russian President Vladimir Putin for defeating incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and gaining a third term in office.
In a statement posted to the Kremlin website, Mr. Putin expressed his wish for closer ties between Brazil and Russia and noted that Lula’s victory in the election demonstrated his “great political power.”
