Political parties to get BRL 4.9 bi for municipal election campaign
The parties participating in October's municipal elections in Brazil will receive BRL 4.9 billion from the Special Campaign Financing Fund (FEFC) for their campaigns. The announcement was made on Monday (Jun. 17) by the Superior Electoral Court, the body responsible for organizing the elections.
Among the 29 parties registered with the electoral court, the Liberal Party (PL) is set to receive the largest share of the total fund. The party will distribute BRL 886.8 million among its candidates for mayor, deputy mayor, and councillor. The Workers' Party (PT) follows closely behind, receiving BRL 619.8 million. Other significant recipients include the Union (BRL 536.5 million), the Social Democratic Party (PSD - BRL 420.9 million), the Progressive Party (PP - BRL 417.2 million), the Brazilian Democratic Movement (MDB - BRL 404.6 million), and the Republicans (BRL 343.9 million).
Additionally, 16 parties are set to receive funding ranging from BRL 236.6 million to BRL 35.9 million. Six parties will receive the minimum allocation of BRL 3.4 million each for their campaigns.
Legal transfers
The allocation of resources from the fund is stipulated by the Elections Law, which sets the following criteria: 2 percent is equally divided among all 29 parties registered with the Superior Electoral Court, 35 percent is allocated to parties that have elected at least 1 representative to the House of Representatives, 48 percent is distributed based on the size of the caucus in the House (including mergers and incorporations). The remaining 15 percent is allocated to parties that have elected senators, proportionally to the number elected to the Senate.
The Electoral Fund is distributed to parties during election years. It was established by Congress in 2017 in response to the Supreme Court's 2015 decision to prohibit campaign financing by private companies. Alongside the Electoral Fund, parties also receive the Party Fund, which is allocated annually to support their administrative activities.
