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Biden congratulates Lula for winning "free, fair" Brazil election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday (Oct 30) congratulated Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for his victory in "free, fair and credible elections," in a statement adding that he looks forward to continued cooperation between the countries.
“I look forward to working together to continue the cooperation between our two countries in the months and years ahead,” Biden said of Lula.
With nearly 100 percent of votes counted Sunday night, Lula had 50.9 percent of the vote compared to 49.1 percent for Bolsonaro.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also congratulated the people of Brazil “for exercising their right to vote and reaffirming the strength of their democracy.”
Blinken stressed that they look forward to continuing their strong partnership with Lula “as we build a democratic, prosperous, and equitable hemisphere.”
The former and incumbent presidents were the top two candidates in a general election earlier this month, advancing to Sunday’s runoff.
Lula was previously president of Brazil from 2003 to 2010, leading his left-wing Workers’ Party to soaring popularity.
However, after leaving office he was swept up in a massive corruption scandal that landed him in prison for 19 months. A Supreme Court justice nullified his convictions in March 2021, clearing him to run for president again.
Brazilian football star Neymar backs Bolsonaro ahead of Sunday vote
Bolsonaro has been called “Trump of the tropics” and has been a deeply divisive president, battling with the country’s Supreme Court, overseeing massive clearcutting of the Amazon rainforest and spreading skepticism about COVID-19 and vaccines.
Trump on Sunday morning (Oct 30) urged Brazilian voters to return Bolsonaro to the president’s office.
“To the People of Brazil, this is your big day, and also, a big day for the World. Your GREAT and Highly Respected President, Jair Bolsonaro, needs you to get out and Vote, TODAY, so that your Country can continue on its incredible path of success,” Trump wrote.
Lula wins first round of Brazil's presidential election
“Don’t let the Radical Left Lunatics & Maniacs destroy Brazil like they have so many other countries.”
Lula will become Brazil's 39th president on Jan. 1, 2023 after serving as the nation’s 35th president from 2003 to 2010.
He promised tax hikes on the rich and increased government services for the poor during the campaign, but has offered few specifics.
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