Brazil electoral system: Federations, coalitions, and public funding

Brazil's electoral system utilizes two primary models for political alliances: party federations and coalitions. Federations require parties to act as a single unit both during elections and throughout a four-year mandate, sharing a unified political program and legislative leadership. In contrast, coalitions are restricted to majoritarian offices.

Political campaigning in Brazil is primarily financed through public funds, specifically the Party Fund (Fundo Partidário) and the Campaign Financing Fund (FEFC). For the 2026 election cycle, the Party Fund is valued at R$ 1.43 billion, while the Campaign Fund is set at R$ 4.96 billion. Distribution of the Campaign Fund is based on specific criteria, including an equal 2% share for all registered parties, followed by allocations proportional to votes received and the number of representatives in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

Major beneficiaries of these funds include the PL, PT, and União Brasil, which together receive approximately 40% of the total allocation.