Washington/Miami: Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has declared himself Brazil’s “true leader” after arriving in Miami, Florida, and accused President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the country’s Supreme Court of manipulating the presidential election. However, he has not presented concrete evidence to support his allegations.

Lula won the presidential runoff by approximately 4.5 million votes. Brazil’s electoral authorities, international observers and several world leaders have recognised his victory.

Bolsonaro Thanks Trump and Argentina’s President

After reaching the United States with his family, Flávio Bolsonaro thanked US President Donald Trump for granting them visas. He also expressed gratitude to Argentine President Javier Milei for helping facilitate his journey.

His departure came after Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered him to surrender his passports in connection with an investigation involving alleged money laundering. Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing.

Deletes First Letter, Declares Himself Brazil’s Leader

In an open letter posted on social media platform X, Bolsonaro initially described himself as the “elected president.” He later deleted that post and published a revised statement, declaring himself the rightful leader of Brazil.

He claimed that millions of his supporters and the Brazilian public should recognise his leadership. He also accused those allegedly involved in electoral fraud of being part of a criminal organisation.

Lula’s Victory Recognised by Electoral Authorities

Brazil’s electoral authorities have recognised Lula’s victory, while international observers reported no evidence establishing that the election was manipulated.

Bolsonaro has questioned a decision by a Supreme Court justice to extend voting hours by two hours on election day. However, his own campaign had also sought an extension because of heavy rain in southern Brazil.

According to an analysis by Insper professor Pedro Burgos, fewer than 35,000 votes were cast during the additional two-hour period, representing approximately 0.03% of the total vote.

Trump Declines to Comment Directly

President Donald Trump declined to comment directly on Bolsonaro’s declaration when questioned by reporters. The development comes amid tensions between Washington and Brasília over allegations of political interference, which the US government has denied.

Bolsonaro has said he left Brazil to protect himself and his family, rather than abandon the country. Analysts cited in media reports believe his effort to overturn the election result faces significant obstacles.

The political dispute is likely to keep Brazil’s election outcome and relations with the United States in the international spotlight.