Brasília: Brazil’s presidential race is moving into a second-round contest after Flávio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva finished as the two leading candidates in the first round of voting.

The first-round result did not produce a candidate with the majority required to win the presidency outright. Flávio Bolsonaro secured about 47% of the valid vote, while Lula received slightly more than 45%, according to electoral results reported after the ballots were counted.

The outcome means Brazilian voters will return to the polls on October 25 to decide between the two candidates.

Flávio Bolsonaro, a senator and the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, has built his campaign around issues including public security, economic policy and a stronger conservative political agenda. His performance in the first round allowed him to advance directly to the runoff.

Lula, meanwhile, is seeking another presidential term after returning to office in the previous election cycle. His campaign has highlighted his administration’s economic and social policies while presenting its programme as an alternative to the conservative platform represented by Bolsonaro.

The first-round results have created a highly competitive political environment. Candidates who were eliminated in the initial vote and their supporters are now attracting attention because their political positions could become relevant during the second round.

Brazil’s presidential election has also drawn international interest because of the country’s size, economic importance and role in global diplomacy. The next administration will have to deal with domestic economic challenges while maintaining relationships with major international partners.

Environmental policy is another important area. Brazil’s stewardship of the Amazon rainforest has made its presidential elections particularly significant for international climate discussions. Policies concerning agriculture, deforestation, infrastructure and environmental enforcement are expected to remain part of the wider political debate.

The runoff campaign will give both candidates an opportunity to appeal directly to voters who supported other candidates in the first round. Their campaigns are expected to increase political events, media appearances and policy discussions as election day approaches.

The final result will determine the direction of Brazil’s government and its domestic and foreign policy priorities for the coming presidential term.

For now, the first-round result has formally narrowed the presidential race to two candidates, with the October 25 runoff set to determine who will lead Brazil.