Bolsonaro’s party concedes defeat as he vows to lead opposition in Brazil
Buenos Aires HeraldUpdated 55 minutes Ago1 Mins read
Flávio Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party (PL by its Portuguese initials) conceded defeat to President Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva on Monday, in a statement signed by party president Valdemar Costa Neto.
However, they said an “increase in public spending on social benefits” implemented by Da Silva after the October 4 general election — in which Bolsonaro ended first — may have benefitted the winner on Sunday.
“We recognize the presidential result, as proclaimed by the Superior Electoral Court, but we believe that the questions raised need to be clarified within a duly balanced and democratic political debate,” the PL said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and seek answers with a sense of responsibility, transparency, and respect for institutions,” they added.
On Sunday night, after the final vote count showed Da Silva had gathered 51.8% against Bolsonaro’s 48.2%, the far-right leader said he would not accept the results based on alleged irregularities in the Supreme Court’s decision to extend voting by two hours.
While the extension was granted in response to Da Silva’s party due to nationwide issues with public transport, the PL had also made a similar request in certain areas that were affected by rainfall and flooding.
On Monday, Bolsonaro said that, instead of demanding the elections be annulled, he would instead seek “the disqualification of Lula’s ticket for all the abuses he has committed,” referring to his economic measures.
“It wasn’t me who lost; it was the system that won,” he stated in a video posted to his Instagram account.
While he did not directly admit defeat, Bolsonaro affirmed he will “organize the opposition” to “resist chaos,” highlighting the large presence his party will have in Congress.
The PL’s statement and Bolsonaro’s comments came after United States President Donald Trump said that, while he “didn’t take sides” in the runoff, “it looked like another rigged election.” Trump did not provide any details to support his allegation.
