Flávio Bolsonaro rejects Brazil election results, seeks annulment of Lula's victory
Brazilian senator Flávio Bolsonaro has rejected the results of the country's presidential run-off, which placed him behind President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and announced plans to challenge the outcome in court.
Speaking in Brasília on Sunday, the Liberal Party (PL) candidate accused the Supreme Federal Court (STF) of changing electoral rules during voting.
"We will turn to our legal team. We will seek the annulment of these elections," Bolsonaro declared.
His objections followed a ruling by Justice Cristiano Zanin extending voting until 19:00 local time after Lula's campaign reported difficulties transporting voters in several cities.
The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) clarified that the extension applied only to polling stations still open at 17:00, while those that had already closed were not reopened.
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Bolsonaro argued that the decision created unequal voting conditions between states and said his legal team would challenge the result.
He also alleged that representatives of his party were removed from a security room during the electoral process and demanded explanations.
"There are many things that must be clarified before Brazil simply acknowledges this ploy that has just happened in these elections," he asserted.
According to results released by electoral authorities, Lula secured 51.79% of valid votes against Bolsonaro's 48.21%, giving him a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term.
Bolsonaro maintained that he would continue challenging the outcome and urged his supporters to remain committed to Brazil.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
