After Losing the Election, Flávio Bolsonaro Refers to himself as the leader of Brazil

Bolsonaro, the failed presidential candidate in Brazil, referred to himself as the “leader of Brazil” in a social media post upon his departure for the United States. Bolsonaro has not declared defeat despite losing the Sunday run-off to his left-wing opponent, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, by a margin of 4.4 million votes.

In the letter, Bolsonaro claims he was the victim of “electoral fraud” and says he will lead the opposition from the United States, without providing any proof. Lula called his refusal to turn up his passports “a shameful act” as he left Brazil on Tuesday. “I address the Brazilian people and the international community as the leader of Brazil” is how Bolsonaro begins his letter, which he shared on his X account.

But an earlier version, later removed, added, I address the Brazilian people and the international community as the rightful president of Brazil.

Both versions restate Bolsonaro’s initial claim on election night that his opponent had benefited from Sunday’s extended voting hours. Both Lula’s and Bolsonaro’s campaign teams requested the extension, and the president of Brazil’s electoral body said the election went smoothly and fully complied with the nation’s laws and constitution.

Only about 34,000 individuals cast ballots during the extended hours, according to an analysis of election statistics by BBC Brazil and BBC Verify. This is far less than the 4.4 million votes that separated Lula from Bolsonaro.

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