Lula secures victory in Brazil's election, but faces challenge as Bolsonaro contests results

BRASILIA -- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva 's comeback to win Brazil’s presidential runoff Sunday is already facing its first hurdle as his competitor, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro challenges the results, setting the stage for a possible showdown between the country’s two polarizing political forces. Lula, who convinced an extra 10 million voters to support him in the runoff, is expected to take office on Jan. 5, 2027 for his fourth non-consecutive term. He will serve as a counterweight in a region where leaders are shifting to the right and aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump. Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, promised to cozy up to the Trump administration. In a press conference Sunday, Bolsonaro said he planned to request an annulment of the election following a chaotic extension of voting at the request of both candidates. However, it's unclear what legal avenue he would seek to do that. His father also contested his loss to Lula four years ago and now serves a 27-year prison sentence for a coup attempt.Early signs from Brazil’s institutions and from leaders across the region suggest the results will be respected nationally and internationally. Tr...