Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a historic fourth term on Sunday, defeating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of jailed former President Jair Bolsonaro, in a closely fought election.

Brazil’s electoral court confirmed that Lula won 51.75% of the votes, with more than 98.76% counted. Flavio Bolsonaro received 48.25%.

The 80-year-old first ran for president in 1989 but won his first election in 2002. He won again in 2006, then returned to power in 2022 after a political break that included 580 days in prison.

Lula’s latest victory marks a first since Brazil ended military rule in 1985. He became the first candidate to trail in the first round and win the presidency in the second round. On October 4, he was behind Bolsonaro by 2.2 million votes.

Lula reshaped his campaign in the final weeks, reaching out to young voters through rallies that drew large crowds. He also focused on Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency, using the slogan “Never Again Bolsonaro.” His campaign highlighted the former president’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, cuts to public programmes and damage to the Amazon rainforest.

To connect with younger voters, Lula bought a smartphone despite never having used one before. He took selfies and recorded videos with supporters, which later spread across Brazilian social media, AFP reported. His supporters also conducted door-to-door campaigns to persuade voters.

According to the BBC, Lula’s supporters gathered in São Paulo, where he was expected to address the crowd later on Sunday.

The final phase of voting and counting turned chaotic after Lula’s campaign approached Brazil’s Supreme Court, arguing that public transport problems had prevented some voters from reaching polling stations. The campaign sought an extension of voting hours.

Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin approved the request after counting had begun, extending voting by two hours until 7 pm local time. Officials paused the counting while voting continued.

Flavio Bolsonaro’s campaign had also sought extensions in some areas due to heavy rain. However, it opposed the nationwide extension. Pro-Bolsonaro lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira reacted on X, writing: “Either we win. Or we win. Consider yourself warned.”

Lula’s fourth term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027.