Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva turned 81 on Tuesday, Oct. 27, as supporters gathered outside the Alvorada palace in Brasília, two days after the Superior Electoral Court announced his re-election.
The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) said Lula won 64,256,232 votes, or 51.79% of valid ballots, in the Oct. 25 runoff. Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro received 59,826,041 votes, or 48.21%.
The runoff followed an Oct. 4 first round in which Bolsonaro led. The runoff reversed that order.
Reports from the birthday gathering described cake, singing and remarks by Lula. Agência Brasil reported that he thanked older voters and recalled images of seniors making their way to polling places.
Agência Brasil described the victory as securing Lula a fourth presidential term. AFP reported that the Workers’ Party had asked supporters to gather at the presidential residence on Oct. 27 for his birthday.
AFP also reported that Lula faced questions about his age during the campaign. He described himself as “fitter than ever,” the outlet said, and AFP reported that he jogged at campaign events and posted workout videos.
Lula’s birthday pledge is detailed in an earlier EconoTimes account.
The Associated Press reported that Lula criticized Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro over his whereabouts after the election and alleged he had left Brazil. AP said Bolsonaro’s location had not been confirmed. Lula’s remarks included: “Those who are not liable do not fear,” AP reported.
The Associated Press reported that the results are due to be certified Dec. 18.
