World Leaders Congratulate Lula as Brazil Election Faces Claims of Irregularity
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International heads of state and officials praised Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after his runoff win in Brazil, while some U.S. figures focused on the voting extension and questioned the process.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a fourth non-consecutive term after defeating Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in the runoff election, but the result has already been challenged by critics who say the contest should be scrutinized more closely. Bolsonaro has called for the vote to be annulled, citing a two-hour voting extension granted by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin, though both candidates had requested the additional time.
Leaders across the globe responded with congratulations, presenting the outcome as settled despite the controversy. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on X, "Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won." Justin Trudeau (note: the source mistakenly names Mark Carney) highlighted the chance to deepen Canada-Brazil relations, adding that the two countries could work together on trade, environmental protection and prosperity.
In the United States, Donald Trump Jr. criticized the result, referencing the voting extension, while progressive Senator Bernie Sanders praised Lula’s “extraordinary re-election victory” and his support for workers and democracy. Congressman Ro Khanna urged President Donald Trump to respect the outcome and said the victory counters extremism.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Chilean President José Antonio Kast, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino all issued statements affirming support for Brazil’s democratic process and pledging continued cooperation on regional issues.
"Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won," Sheinbaum wrote. "Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen them further, together – to create new promising commercial prospects, protect the environment, and ensure greater prosperity for both our populations," the Canadian leader said. "People all across the world are fighting back against extremism. With Lula in Brazil, they just won. Authoritarian leaders always attack democracy because they stand no chance against the will of their people," Khanna posted. "We will continue working together for our countries," Mulino added.
The reactions underscore a broad international endorsement of Brazil’s election outcome, even as domestic disputes over the voting process persist.