The president—who is running for reelection—voted alongside First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, former minister Fernando Haddad, and former ministers Simone Tebet and Marina Silva, among other allies.

Before heading to the polling station, Lula spoke with journalists and supporters as he left his residence in the Alto de Pinheiros neighborhood of Sao Paulo, expressing his appreciation for the popular mobilization seen during the runoff election.

“I am 80 years old, and I have been involved in political life for 50. I took part in the ‘Directas Ja’ [Direct Elections Now] campaign, and I have been involved in every presidential campaign since then. Honestly, I have never seen anything like what I witnessed during this runoff,” he stated.

The head of state also highlighted the event held on Avenida Paulista in Sao Paulo, noting that the displays of affection he received over the last few days reflected a level of generosity he could never fully repay.

“I am going to vote feeling grateful to the Brazilian people. What the people have shown me over these past few days is something that cannot be repaid. There has been so much generosity, affection, and love—I will be eternally grateful,” he declared.

Lula also leveled criticism at his opponent, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party, whom he accused of lying during the campaign.

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