Bolsonaro pledges to uphold Constitution after losing Brazil’s presidential race

By Bala Chambers

BUENOS AIRES (AA) - Jair Bolsonaro spoke for the first time Tuesday following his presidential runoff defeat, promising to comply with Brazil’s Constitution without directly mentioning his loss to former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"As President of the Republic and citizen, I will continue upholding all the mandates of our Constitution," Bolsonaro said, flanked by several close allies at a news conference in the nation’s capital of Brasilia.

Bolsonaro thanked the 58 million Brazilians who voted for him in the Oct. 30 election but did not answer questions from the media.

Following roadblocks across the country by his supporters who did not want to concede defeat, Bolsonaro lashed out at the left in the country, insisting "the current popular movements are the result of indignation and a feeling of injustice at how the electoral process took place."

He said, “peaceful demonstrations are always welcome, but our methods cannot be those of the left, that always harmed the population" listed the invasion of property and destruction of Brazil's heritage as some of the consequences.

The far-right politician remained silent about his loss Sunday, not making a declaration regarding Lula’s victory while several close allies have acknowledged defeat.

For more than one year, Bolsonaro had cast doubt about whether he will respect the election results, raising concerns about Brazil's electronic voting system without providing evidence.