Conservatives Secure Majority in Both Houses of Brazil's Congress
Right-wing parties, led by the Liberal Party, won enough seats to control Brazil's Chamber of Deputies and Senate, setting the stage for a runoff between Flavio Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Final tallies from Brazil's Sunday elections confirm that right-wing parties, spearheaded by the Liberal Party (PL), have secured a commanding presence in both chambers of Congress. The PL and about 20 allied parties won 276 of the 513 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, while the Senate will see conservatives occupying 49 of its 81 seats, roughly a third of which belong to the PL. This legislative dominance guarantees a conservative majority when lawmakers assume office in February 2027 and forces a presidential runoff between PL candidate Flavio Bolsonaro and incumbent leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on October 25.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro, serving a 27-year prison term under house arrest, also saw several of his allies elected. With control of both houses, conservatives can pass ordinary bills with simple majorities, override presidential vetoes, and potentially advance impeachment proceedings against Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who faces multiple accusations from right-leaning senators.
Why it matters
The new congressional majorities give Brazil's conservatives the power to shape legislation and challenge the judiciary.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Lula runs ultra-cautious campaign as poll gap with Bolsonaro narrows
- Sep 13 A new poll released in early September records Bolsonaro at 46% and Lula at 45% in a hypothetical runoff.
- Sep 25 President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed an order banning online betting in Brazil, a move that takes effect immediately but needs congressional approval within 120 days.
- Sep 28 The ban is now subject to a 120‑day congressional review.
- Oct 2 Presidential debate scheduled for Oct 1 was cancelled after the electoral court barred Lula’s participation and Bolsonaro withdrew.
- Oct 4 Both candidates held final campaign rallies, with Lula ending his bid in São Paulo and Flávio Bolsonaro leading a motorcycle convoy in São Paulo state.
- Oct 4 Alcohol dependence in Portugal has almost quadrupled over the past ten years, with only a fifth of sufferers receiving treatment, and Brazil prepares for a closely fought presidential vote.
- Oct 4 First round of Brazil’s presidential election was held.
- Oct 4 First round of voting produced no candidate with over 50%, making a runoff likely.
- Oct 5 First‑round results show Flávio Bolsonaro ahead with 47.1% and Lula at 45%, triggering a runoff on Oct 25.
- Oct 5 Senator Flavio Bolsonaro said the recent vote gave the right a dominant majority in Brazil's Senate and Chamber of Deputies.
- Oct 6 Flavio Bolsonaro secured a first‑round victory, making him the runoff frontrunner.
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