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Bolsonaro alleged electoral fraud and launched a sharp attack on those he blamed for his defeat in Sunday’s run-off election.
Flavio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL) speaks after losing the presidential runoff election, in Brasilia, Brazil. (Reuters photo)
Defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro has claimed he is the country’s rightful president after arriving in the United States, accusing opponents of stealing the election won by incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Bolsonaro alleged electoral fraud and launched a sharp attack on those he blamed for his defeat in Sunday’s run-off election.
“I am the elected president, and the criminals who stole Brazil’s election are part of a criminal organisation that has established a tyranny,” he said.
“I will lead the opposition from here,” Bolsonaro added. In a subsequent statement, he called himself as the opposition’s “leader” rather than the country’s president.
The 45-year-old arrived at Opa-Locka Executive Airport near Miami on a private jet, accompanied by his wife and daughters. His departure has raised questions in Brazil, where he faces investigations into alleged financial wrongdoing.
Trump Comments On Bolsonaro’s Claim
US President Donald Trump, whose administration has close links with Bolsonaro and his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, again called Brazil’s election as “very strange”. However, he said he would not get involved in Flavio Bolsonaro’s claim to the presidency.
Brazilian President Lula, who won 51.8% of the vote, criticised the senator’s departure, calling it a “shameful” act.
“A person who sneaks out of their country must have something to hide,” Lula said on Tuesday.
Brazilian police said on Wednesday that Bolsonaro was not considered a fugitive. He travelled to the US via Argentina and Ecuador, despite an order requiring him to surrender his passports.
The US Department of Homeland Security said his family had been cleared under applicable immigration rules.
Bolsonaro Faces Financial Investigations
Flavio Bolsonaro is under investigation over alleged corruption and money laundering, including questions about financing for Dark Horse, an unreleased film about his father.
Investigators are examining an alleged $24 million financing arrangement involving banker Daniel Vorcaro, who is in jail in connection with a major fraud case. Bolsonaro has acknowledged Vorcaro’s funding but described the deal as “completely legal”.
A separate investigation is examining alleged money laundering and the transfer of funds abroad. Bolsonaro’s father, Jair Bolsonaro, also disputed his 2022 election defeat before leaving Brazil ahead of Lula’s inauguration.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Ask News18Following his arrival in the United States, defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro claimed he was the country’s rightful president, alleged electoral fraud in the run-off election won by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and stated he would lead the opposition.
Ask News18Brasilia, Brazil
October 29, 2026, 02:40 IST
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