Fireworks illuminated the night sky across Brazilian cities as supporters of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva flooded the streets to celebrate his dramatic re-election victory on Sunday.

In Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, jubilant crowds, many draped in the nation's green-and-yellow flag and Lula's signature red, filled beaches, central avenues, and squares. Vuvuzelas sounded, and campaign songs echoed as supporters danced, sang, and chanted pro-democracy slogans, turning city centers into scenes reminiscent of football title celebrations.

Official results showed Lula, who is set to turn 81 on Tuesday, secured an unprecedented fourth term by a narrow margin, garnering 51.8 percent of the vote against 48.2 percent for his far-right rival, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro. The high turnout was hailed by Lula as a vote to "defend democracy."

The celebrations occurred despite the rival candidate's refusal to concede and his stated intention to seek the annulment of the vote, following a Supreme Court decision that extended polling hours. For Lula's supporters, the win represented a significant repudiation of authoritarianism and a renewed mandate for Brazil's left-wing movement.

Supporters paraded down Sao Paulo's Paulista Avenue, with cheers of "Let's go, Lula!" rising repeatedly. The atmosphere was electric, with fireworks booming and car horns honking in unison as the crowds marched. Lula himself joined the procession, leaning out of his car's sunroof with a megaphone, his voice reportedly hoarse but enthusiastic.

This victory marks a significant shift for Brazil, steering the country away from a rightward political trajectory that had seen recent wins for conservative leaders in other Latin American nations. Lula's win is seen by many as a decisive choice for a different path.

In his address to supporters, Lula expressed gratitude and pledged to govern for all Brazilians, stating, "No one is required to like the president-elect, but he must govern for everyone." He committed to making his upcoming term the "best term any president has ever served," vowing to dedicate himself "24 hours a day" to the task.

As the nation celebrates, the focus now shifts to how Lula will navigate the political landscape and implement his agenda, particularly in light of the close election results and the lingering dissent from his opponent. The coming months will be critical in observing the consolidation of his mandate and the impact of his governance on Brazil's future.