Vote buying remains one of the main threats to Brazilian democracy and is far from being a thing of the past. Despite technological advances in the electoral system, such as the adoption of electronic voting machines and biometrics, an exclusive survey by [source name]... GloboNewsBased on data from the Federal Police obtained through the Access to Information Law (LAI), it shows that cases of electoral corruption have grown significantly in recent years.
The numbers reveal a striking escalation in investigations. In 2016, the year of the municipal elections, the Federal Police opened 117 investigations related to vote buying. Eight years later, in the 2024 elections, that total jumped to 2.283 investigations, an increase of almost 20 times.
Over the past decade, more than 7.600 investigations have been launched to look into suspected electoral corruption across the country. In practice, this represents an average of two new investigations per day.
The data is part of the special series "The Value of the Vote," broadcast by GloboNews, which presents previously unseen cases and shows how the practice continues to be present in different regions of Brazil.
A historical problem
The exchange of favors for votes has been a part of Brazilian political history for decades. Journalistic records from the 1980s show that the phenomenon was already being treated as a challenge to the consolidation of democracy.
In 1982, for example, voters in Belém, Pará, even handed over their voter registration cards in exchange for so-called "Christmas cards" distributed by candidates. A few years later, in 1986, the rewards offered included money, eyeglasses, medicine, and construction materials.
By the end of that decade, news reports were already pointing to electoral patronage as a consolidated habit in certain localities, demonstrating that the problem has spanned generations and continues to be present in the national political landscape.
The illegal vote market
Investigations conducted by authorities show that vote buying adapts to the needs and vulnerabilities of voters. Although cash payments remain a common practice, the benefits offered go far beyond that.
Among the cases investigated are offers of medical consultations, dental treatments, clinical examinations, and ophthalmological care. The distribution of bags of cement, basic food baskets, gas cylinders, fuel, and even cases of beer is also common.
In addition to material goods, promises of employment, public positions, and places in daycare centers are among the advantages used to illegally gain political support.
The interior of the country accounts for the majority of cases.
Data analysis indicates that electoral corruption is heavily concentrated in municipalities in the interior of the country. Only about 15% of investigations took place in capital cities. The majority of inquiries involve smaller cities and metropolitan areas.
According to prosecutor Nathalia Mariel, from the Electoral Attorney General's Office, the close relationship between candidates and voters helps explain this scenario.
"The more localized the election, the closer the people are, and the easier it is to negotiate and offer advantages," he explains.
The expert also points out that investigating cases can be hampered by the existence of personal relationships and economic dependence between those involved and witnesses, which reduces reports and makes it difficult to gather evidence.
Cases that caught the attention of the Justice system.
Among the examples highlighted in the report are two investigations that took place in Paraná.
In the city of Goioerê, then-councilman Walter Fernandes Martins, known as Lieutenant Martins, had his mandate revoked after investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office pointed to irregularities during the election campaign.
According to investigators, he used copies of Brazilian law books with gaps between the pages to hide money. Messages found on cell phones indicated that he managed requests for fuel, food, and legal assistance in exchange for political support.
In Moreira Sales, councilwoman Priscilla Albano, who received the most votes in the 2024 elections, was also convicted by the Electoral Court. The case pointed to the use of the Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS) structure to favor her candidacy.
According to the investigation, the candidate and social worker Edina Frasson offered "daily allowances" of R$ 100 to families in vulnerable situations, including during milk distribution campaigns.
In both cases, the convictions resulted in the revocation of their mandates and a declaration of ineligibility.
Impacts on society
According to experts, the harm caused by vote buying goes far beyond elections and directly affects the quality of public services offered to the population.
Political scientist Rita Biason, research coordinator at the "I Don't Accept Corruption" Institute, warns of the consequences of this practice.
“A vote is not priceless, but it has consequences. To the extent that you sell your vote, public policies cease to be effective, directly affecting the quality of health and infrastructure in the citizen's surroundings,” says Rita Biason.
According to her, negotiating votes compromises the selection of representatives committed to the public interest and weakens the State's ability to provide quality services to the population.
Defenses contest accusations
In a statement, former councilman Walter Fernandes Martins asserted that he has always denied the accusations. He further emphasized that, despite the removal from office, he managed to complete his sixth term while the legal appeals were still under review.
Councilwoman Priscilla Albano also denied any wrongdoing and stated that the process is still awaiting judgment on appeals by the Regional Electoral Court (TRE).
The defense attorney for social worker Edina Frasson was contacted, but had not responded by the time of the last update to this report.
What does the law say
Brazilian electoral law provides for penalties for both those who buy and those who sell their vote. Article 299 of the Electoral Code establishes that offering, promising, soliciting, or receiving any advantage in exchange for electoral support constitutes a crime.
Penalties include imprisonment for up to four years and fines. For candidates and political agents, the consequences can be even more severe, including loss of office and ineligibility for eight years.
The law also stipulates that the mere promise to buy or the solicitation to sell a vote can constitute a crime, even when the negotiation is not actually completed.
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