Brazilian left celebrates election wins for trans and Indigenous candidates

Celia Xakriabá, from the Xakriabá Indigenous people, won a seat in congress in Minas Gerais state for the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSol). Photograph: Washington Alves/Reuters

Brazil’s election result was a disappointment for those hoping to see a first-round win for the presidential challenger Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva but there were still some reasons to be cheerful for the country’s left.

Not only is Lula favourite to win the 30 October runoff – he need only increase his vote share from 48.4% to 50+1 – but diversity got a boost in a few key parliamentary races.