Brazilians party into the night as Lula claims election victory

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will become Brazil’s next president after a tight election victory

Brazilians have partied into the night as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva claimed victory in the nation’s run-off election.

Lula secured nearly 51 per cent of the vote in the tight race for office.

He has promised environmental and social reforms as Brazil reals from the depths of the pandemic.

Lula added “we are one country, one people, one great nation.”

U.S. President Joe Biden was among the world’s top leaders to congratulate Lula on his election victory.

“I look forward to working together to continue the cooperation between our two countries in the months and years ahead,” Biden said.

Brazil’s far-right incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro, has fallen silent after his election defeat.

The 67-year-old is yet to concede in the election, despite all votes being counted.

He has repeatedly hinted he might not accept defeat. However, his own son thanked Brazilians for their support.

“Thank you to each one of you who helped us rescue patriotism… We will hold our heads high and we will not give up on our Brazil,” he said.