Brazil's Bolsonaro commits to transfer of power after losing presidential election

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday agreed to organize a transition of power after losing Sunday's presidential contest to left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro had remained largely silently following his narrow loss, prompting speculation that he would contest the results of the election, the New York Times reported. The incumbent president received 49.1% of the vote, making it the closest contest in the history of Brazil's modern democracy.

Some supporters of the president have taken to the streets to protest the results. Bolsonaro has referred to those demonstrations as "the fruit of the indignation and feelings of injustice in the electoral process." He has, however, called for his supporters to remain peaceful.

"Peaceful demonstrations will always be welcome... But our methods cannot be those of the left, like property invasion, destruction of goods and restrictions on the right to come and go," he said.

Bolsonaro came to power in part on a promise to tackle corruption in the government after past administrations, including Da Silva's faced a host of scandals.

Da Silva previously served as Brazil's president from 2003-2010. He was arrested in 2018 in connection with a corruption scheme, though the Supreme Federal Court annulled his conviction, enabling him to run again. Da Silva appointed several of the judges on that court.