Streets in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo filled with crowds dressed in green, yellow, and red, celebrating democracy and unity.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva celebrates with his running mate Geraldo Alckmin after winning a fourth term in the presidential run-off in , Brazil. [Andre Penner/AP Photo]

Fireworks lit up the night sky in Brazilian cities as supporters of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva poured into the streets to celebrate his dramatic re-election victory on Sunday.

In Rio de Janeiro, vuvuzelas echoed along the beachfront and central avenues as crowds draped in Brazil’s green-and-yellow flag and Lula’s trademark red danced, sang campaign songs and chanted pro-democracy slogans.

In Sao Paulo, thousands of people dressed in red, the colour of Lula’s Workers’ Party, packed central squares and major roads, waving banners and setting off flares in scenes reminiscent of football title celebrations.

According to official results, Lula, who turns 81 on Tuesday, secured an unprecedented fourth…