AMBENO (TOP) – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a fourth term as head of state of Brazil, after defeating Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in the runoff. According to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Lula received 51.78% of valid votes and Bolsonaro 48.22%. The gap between them was nearly 4.4 million votes. For Timor-Leste, which currently leads the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), the result signals that a historic partner remains in power.
Lula came back from behind. In the first round on October 4, Bolsonaro led with 47.03% against Lula’s 45.16%. According to France 24, this is the first time since Brazil’s return to democracy that a candidate who lost the first round has won the runoff. The new term begins on January 5, 2027.
Brazil and Timor-Leste share a history of Portuguese colonization. Formal relations between the two countries existed before Timor-Leste became independent in 2002. Lula also knows Timor-Leste first-hand, having visited in 2008. Personal ties between the leaders are strong as well. In 2022, President José Ramos-Horta traveled to Brazil to attend Lula’s inauguration, and said he wanted to strengthen relations in science, agriculture and education. Ramos-Horta regards Brazil as a brother nation that has helped Timor-Leste through South-South cooperation.
The result comes at a time when Timor-Leste already holds the leadership of the CPLP. Timor-Leste assumed the CPLP’s pro tempore presidency for 2026–2027, following a decision of the extraordinary conference of Heads of State and Government in December 2025. The presidency was taken from Guinea-Bissau after the coup d’état on November 26, 2025, and Guinea-Bissau was suspended from all CPLP activities. The CPLP comprises Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Timor-Leste, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Brazil.
For Dili, Lula’s continuity in power means a major partner in the CPLP remains at the table. Lula has already reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to the CPLP and said member countries will continue to “walk together.” The CPLP also celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Timor-Leste has also taken up the theme “CPLP and food sovereignty,” which Guinea-Bissau had previously approved. Brazil is a major agricultural nation, and this could be an opportunity for cooperation.
Timor-Leste is also the only CPLP member in Southeast Asia. It became the 11th member of ASEAN on October 26, 2025. As a result, Dili can serve as a bridge between the Lusophone world and Southeast Asia, and the relationship with Brazil could become part of that strategy.
