Lula wins Brazil election as Serra concedes defeat
( 2002-10-28 09:32 ) (7 )

Brazilian presidential candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva celebrates during a press conference in which he claimed victory in the runoff election, October 27, 2002. With a wide margin over rival Jose Serra of the ruling coalition, Lula became the first working-class president of Latin America's largest country. [Reuters]

Former metalworker and veteran leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won Brazil's presidential runoff vote on Sunday after his rival Jose Serra conceded defeat.

An aide to Serra told reporters the former health minister had called Lula to wish him well.

"I'm calling you (Lula) to recognize your victory and to wish you good luck in the presidency for the good of the country," the aide quoted Serra as saying.

With 88 percent of the ballots counted, Lula had 61 percent of the vote, while Serra trailed with 39 percent, according to official figures. Final official results are not expected until late Monday.

Lula, who failed to win the presidency in three previous campaigns, will be sworn in on Jan. 1, 2003.