Lula wins Brazil’s presidential election run-off

A deeply polarized Brazil, narrowly re-electing incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a tense runoff election. Far-right candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old senator-son of former leader Jair Bolsonaro, fought for his family to return to power. His father, currently under house arrest, convicted of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. I think the time has come for real change, he says. Bolsonaro's campaign focused on tax cuts, tackling crime, and strengthening ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. Lula, who won a fourth, non-consecutive term, is promising to strengthen social programs and stand up to Trump. It's not possible that we fail to convince Brazilians of the risk democracy faces, he says. Some Brazilians living in Canada cast their ballots at a polling station in Toronto. The country is right now very divided about extreme left and right. Brazilian Canadians, both hopeful and fearful. One of the candidates is willing to give Brazil away to Donald Trump. The Bolsonaro family's close ties to Trump risked complicating relations with other countries, including Canada. We have agreed to intensify FTA negotiations. Ottawa is trying to finalize a deal with Mercosur, a major trade bloc in South America, by the end of the year. But Bolsonaro has suggested leaving the bloc to prioritize bilateral trade deals. Voting was extended by two hours after a decision by Brazil's Supreme Court, sparking confusion with the results razor-tight. a legal challenge is likely. Alexander Silverman, CBC News, Montreal.