Brazilian right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro has declared himself the country’s rightful leader after arriving in Miami with his family on Wednesday, following his defeat in Sunday’s presidential election.

Bolsonaro reportedly left Brazil after the Supreme Court asked him to surrender his passports to prevent him from leaving the country. His departure comes amid political tensions following his electoral defeat and allegations of irregularities in the voting process.

The right-wing senator has refused to concede defeat to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, widely known as Lula, who secured victory in Sunday’s election.

Bolsonaro and his allies have questioned the election results, but his party has acknowledged the outcome. International observers have also described the election as fair.

The head of Brazil’s electoral authority said Wednesday that the vote had proceeded normally and in full accordance with the country’s laws and constitution, rejecting concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Bolsonaro’s declaration that he is Brazil’s rightful leader is likely to deepen political divisions in the country, as authorities maintain that the election results are legitimate. (ILKHA)