1934 Brazilian parliamentary election explained

Parliamentary elections were held in Brazil on 14 October 1934 to elect members of the Chamber of Deputies and state legislatures.[1]

Background

Following the Brazilian Revolution of 1930, a constitutional assembly was elected in 1933 and drew up a new constitution, which came into force on 16 July 1934.[2] It provided for a federal state with a bicameral parliament consisting of a 300-member Chamber of Deputies (of which 250 were directly elected and 50 selected by union and employer bodies) and a Senate consisting of two members from each state, who would be elected by state legislatures.[2] [3]

After the constitution was promulgated, the Assembly was converted into a Chamber of Deputies and elected Getúlio Vargas as president the following day.[2]

Electoral system

The 250 directly elected members were elected by open list proportional representation, with states acting as constituencies.[3] [4] Voters could cast preferential votes for candidates from multiple parties.[4]

Results

Of the 250 elected members, 142 were supporters of Vargas, 76 were from the opposition and 32 were independents.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Book: C. Peixoto-Mehrtens. Urban Space and National Identity in Early Twentieth Century São Paulo, Brazil: Crafting Modernity. 2010. 2008.
  2. Book: A History of Brazil. Joseph Smith. 2014. 143.
  3. Book: Brazil, a Country Study. 41. 1983.
  4. The open-list electoral system in Brazil. Dados. 3. 2007. Jairo Nicolau.
  5. Book: John W. F. Dulles. Vargas of Brazil: A Political Biography. 2014. 157.