The second round will be polarized as always. It's normally a plebiscitary election, but there are issues to discuss beyond the scandals in Lula's government. This discussion will be good for the Brazilian people. We have some terrible challenges ahead of us. Corruption must be addressed; candidates must coherently explain their plans for Brazil's future: from raising educational standards and protecting the Amazon to reducing urban violence.

At present, Brazil is a divided nation, albeit not quite like Mexico. The second round will be an opportunity for the winner to achieve a clear victory and a legitimate mandate.

Independent of the result, the next president of Brazil must negotiate with the Congress and other political forces to implement reforms and create a more business friendly environment to increase domestic and foreign investment. Out of Brazil's 27 state governors, Lula's Worker's Party, the PT, has control of only four states and will only be the fourth largest force in the Senate and the second in the House of Representatives.

After the election, Brazil has to overcome deep political divisions to face many challenges. A tremendous number of reforms are needed to improve the pace of economic growth and reduce Brazil´s age old inequalities.