Bolsonaro lost Brazil’s most important election in decades by a margin of 2.1 million votes – 50.9% to 49.1% – and dozens of world leaders immediately recognized Lula’s victory. But Bolsonaro said nothing, with local media suggesting the volatile right-wing populist was holed up in his presidential residence overcome with anger, despair and disbelief. In a brief appearance on Tuesday afternoon, Bolsonaro finally broke his silence amid growing public outrage over his anti-democratic stance. “Our dreams are more alive than ever,” the 67-year-old told reporters at the Alvorada Palace in the capital Brasilia. But Bolsonaro, who is the first sitting president to lose a re-election bid in Brazil’s history, made no mention of the election winner and did not say whether he accepted the result. He thanked the 58 million voters who supported his failed campaign, but did not explicitly say he would respect Lula’s victory. “As president and as a citizen I will continue to follow all the mandates of our constitution,” Bolsonaro said ambiguously. After Bolsonaro had delivered his message, his chief of staff Ciro Nogueira indicated his government would not challenge the election result. “President Jair Bolsonaro … has authorized me that when they are challenged in accordance with the law we will begin the transition process,” he said. More details soon…
