Brazil: leaders of Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Cuba and Panama congratulate Lula on runoff victory

São Paulo, Brazil — The presidents of Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Cuba and Panama congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday on his victory in Brazil's presidential runoff, in which the leftist defeated right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and secured a historic fourth non-consecutive term, according to Reuters.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote: “Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won! Congratulations, President Lula!” Paraguayan President Santiago Peña saluted “the Brazilian people for this great democratic journey” and said both countries share “a common agenda of integration and development.”

Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi said he spoke with Lula, whom he called “a friend,” and congratulated him “on the victory and on the democratic celebration that an electoral process represents.” Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz noted that Bolivia and Brazil are “neighboring and brother countries, united by a shared history and common challenges.”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the win “a historic victory that ensures the continuity of the path of peace, sovereignty and social justice” undertaken by the Brazilian people. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino congratulated “the Brazilian people for this democratic day and especially President Lula for the victory.”

The reactions came hours after Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) declared the election mathematically decided, with Lula at about 51.75% of valid votes against 48.25% for Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula's new term will begin on January 1, 2027.

The result, however, was not accepted by the loser: Flávio Bolsonaro announced he does not recognize the victory and will seek to annul the election, according to AP's coverage on Sunday night.

Photo: Archivo A Lo Claro

Source: Reuters