Brazil's Bolsonaro files complaint challenging results of election defeat

The outgoing Brazilian president's complaint sought "extraordinary verification" of the results, CNN Brasil reported.

 Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro speaks during a ceremony to mark 1000 days in government at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil September 27, 2021.  (photo credit: REUTERS)
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro speaks during a ceremony to mark 1000 days in government at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil September 27, 2021.
(photo credit: REUTERS)

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has challenged last month's election, in which he lost to leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, according to a complaint filed with the country's federal electoral court (TSE), seeking "extraordinary verification" of the results.

Bolsonaro's claim, first reported by CNN Brasil, is unlikely to get far, as Lula's victory has been ratified by the TSE, and acknowledged by Brazil's leading politicians and international allies including the United States.

But it could fuel a small but committed protest movement that has so far refused to accept the result.

 A man uses his hand to cover his mouth during a protest held by supporters of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro against President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who won a third term following the presidential election run-off, at the Army Headquarters in Brasilia, Brazil, November 15, 2022 (credit: REUTERS/UESLEI MARCELINO)
A man uses his hand to cover his mouth during a protest held by supporters of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro against President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who won a third term following the presidential election run-off, at the Army Headquarters in Brasilia, Brazil, November 15, 2022 (credit: REUTERS/UESLEI MARCELINO)

Bolsonaro blames 'irreparable nonconformities' in voting machines

According to CNN Brasil, the complaint claims there were "irreparable nonconformities" in voting machines with the potential to "tarnish" the election that resulted in Lula's victory.

Brazil's federal electoral court (TSE) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.