The main heads of state and political leaders of Latin America have conveyed their congratulations to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as the elected president of Brazil, after winning in the second round of the elections against the candidate of the Liberal Party (PL) Flávio Bolsonaro. With the counting confirmed, which makes Lula the first candidate since the return of Brazilian democracy to overcome an initial disadvantage from the first round, the leaders of the region have emphasized the institutional solidity of the electoral process and the intention to advance in closer bilateral cooperation.
From Mexico, the president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has reacted by stating that "the people of Brazil won." In the same vein, the president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has described the result as a "historic victory that guarantees the continuity of the path of peace, sovereignty, and social justice."
For its part, the Government of Venezuela has issued a statement celebrating the "overwhelming display of civic and democratic participation," reiterating its willingness to preserve neighborhood ties and Latin American solidarity.
The president of Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz, has emphasized that both countries share "a history and common challenges," committing to generate new joint opportunities. From Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi has reported that he had a direct phone conversation with the elected president, whom he has defined as "a friend," to convey his best wishes for what he has described as a "democratic celebration."
The commitment to relaunch a regional agenda has also shaped the messages from the other leaders. The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, has insisted that the region faces "common enemies and shared challenges," defending the advantages of acting in a coordinated manner.
In tune, the president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has called to strengthen a "common agenda of integration and development," while the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, has expressed his willingness to continue collaborating for the benefit of both nations.
Likewise, the president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, has expressed his aspiration that in this new four-year term "a more integrated and prosperous Latin America" is consolidated. The Peruvian leader, Keiko Fujimori, has joined the regional expressions of support, reaffirming the importance of strengthening the bilateral strategic alliance and prioritizing "the sustainable development of the Amazon" in light of the proximity of the bicentennial of their diplomatic relations.
The president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, has also recognized Lula's victory and has pointed out that, despite their "great and deep political and ideological differences," both agree on "something fundamental." "Brazil and Colombia need each other," he added.
"In the Colombian presidential campaign, President Lula openly supported Iván Cepeda and I won. In the Brazilian campaign, I supported Bolsonaro and Lula won. Neither Lula decides for Colombians nor do I decide for Brazilians. The people decide! And when the people speak at the polls, their will is respected because it is sacred. That is what democracy consists of!" he argued.
"No consideration can be above the interests of our nations. Colombia and Brazil are brother countries, with enormous challenges and shared opportunities," he said. "We have much to do and work on for the benefit of our peoples. Mutual respect, sovereignty, and cooperation must define our relations, as well as the fight against narcoterrorism and illegal mining, the protection of the Amazon, and the well-being of our citizens," he concluded.