Political parties in Brazil: Party organization, electoral competition and public financing

Abstract

This paper analyzes the party fund and its effects on party organization and the dynamics of political competition in Brazil. In order to achieve this purpose, the party fund will be looked at from a historical perspective, and its allocation to and within the five main political parties (PP, DEM, PMDB, PSDB and PT) will be examined at the national, state and local levels. The analysis is supported by official documents of the parties and the Higher Electoral Court (TSE).