Bolsonaro breaks election silence but refuses to recognise Lula’s victory

Brazil officially has a new President. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , popularly known as Lula, has won the second round over incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and will take over Brazil’s Presidency for his third term in 2023 – with the win celebrated by many inside and outside Brazil as a win for democracy.

The Supreme Electoral Court declared Lula the next president, with 50.9 percent of votes against 49.1 percent for Bolsonaro. The 77-year-old Lula’s inauguration is scheduled for Jan. 1.

It was a stunning comeback for the leftist former president and a punishing blow to Bolsonaro, the first Brazilian incumbent to lose a presidential election.

Former president’s chief of staff indicates his administration is ready to begin transition process. Brazil’s far-right presiden Bolsonaro has broken his almost 2-day silence – but refused to congratulate or recognize the victory of his rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.