Campaigning resumed in France today between the two contenders for the presidency, conservative Nicolas Sarkozy and socialist Ségolène Royal.
The two candidates polled highest in yesterday's first round, where turnout is estimated to have been close to 85%.
Mr Sarkozy, the candidate of the ruling centre right UMP party, topped the poll with an estimated 30% share of the vote.
In second place came Ms Royal, the Socialist candidate whose bid to become France's first woman president is still on track.
They will contest a run-off election on 6 May.
But it is the estimated around 19% of the electorate who backed the centrist candidate François Bayrou who will have the decisive say on who becomes the next president.
In their victory speeches to supporters, both Mr Sarkozy and Ms Royal appealed directly to the middle ground represented by Mr Bayrou and spoke of a more caring and inclusive France.
Leader of the far right Jean-Marie Le Pen saw his vote drop by a third to 11%, while several candidates on the extreme left got less than 10% between them.
