A Federal Elections Court (TSE) commission made up of Brazilians jurists and experts has begun to discuss changes in the Brazil’s election laws.
At the installation of the comission on Friday, August 19, the president of the TSE, Minister Carlos Velloso, informed that the work will be divided into two topics: electoral crimes and modernization of campaign laws.
With regard to electoral crimes, Velloso argued that it is necessary to deal with new forms of illicit practices, such as electronic crimes.
“Nowadays we have the electronic ballot. So we must now establish severe penalties for whoever tries to defraud the electronic vote,” the Minister affirmed.
The commission has no deadline to finish its task, but Velloso said that the intention is for the TSE proposal to be submitted to the National Congress and voted in time to take effect in the 2006 elections.
Changes in the law must be approved by September 30 to be eligible for application in the following year.
Last Thursday, August 18, the Senate Commission on Constitution and Justice (CCJ) approved new political campaign rules.
Their proposal would ban political rallies cum shows, performance fee payments to entertainers, special effects on television programs, and the distribution of gifts (T-shirts, caps, keychains, and pens) during the election campaign.
It would also make it illegal to affix signs and banners to public property (poles, bridges, buildings).
Agência Brasil
