BRASÍLIA, Brazil — October 4, 2026
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed confidence in securing victory in the 2026 presidential election, declaring that the real electoral battle is only beginning following his second-place finish in Sunday’s first round.
Addressing supporters on Sunday evening, Lula signalled determination to turn the electoral setback into a victory in the runoff against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL).
“The game is just beginning. We are now in extra time,” Lula declared, urging his supporters to intensify their campaign efforts and convince Brazilian voters of the importance of continuing his administration’s political and economic agenda.
The president also expressed confidence that the runoff would provide an opportunity for voters to examine the candidates’ political records, proposals and visions for Brazil’s future. According to the reported results, Flávio Bolsonaro finished ahead of Lula in the first round, although neither candidate secured the absolute majority required to win the presidency outright.
The two candidates are therefore set to face each other in the second round scheduled for October 25, 2026. Lula’s campaign is expected to focus on mobilising voters who supported other candidates, as well as those who abstained from voting in the first round.
The president also indicated that the next phase would allow his campaign to concentrate directly on the differences between his political programme and that of his opponent. The outcome represents a significant challenge for Lula, who is seeking another presidential mandate. However, his declaration signals that the governing coalition is not conceding the election and intends to fight until the final vote.
With Brazil now entering a decisive two-candidate contest, the coming weeks are expected to bring intensified political mobilisation, competing campaign narratives and negotiations over electoral support. The second round will take place on October 25, when Brazilian voters will determine who governs the country for the next presidential term.
Brazil went to the polls on Sunday, October 4, 2026, for the first round of the presidential election, with voters also choosing governors, senators and members of the federal and state legislatures.
The presidential race ended without a candidate obtaining the majority of valid votes required for an outright first-round victory. Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) finished first, followed by incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). The two candidates will therefore proceed to the second round on October 25, 2026.
The other presidential candidates finished well behind the two leading candidates, with Augusto Cury, Renan Santos and Ronaldo Caiado recording the next-highest shares of the vote. The election now enters a three-week runoff period, with the presidency to be decided between the two finalists.
