The Chamber of Deputies is discussing a mixed-member proportional representation system for elections starting in 2030.

247 - The Chamber of Deputies is preparing to vote on a bill that establishes a mixed-member proportional representation system for the election of deputies and councilors starting in 2030, according to information from g1. Currently, parliamentarians are elected using the proportional representation model, which has been in effect for decades.

In a proportional representation system, voters can vote directly for a candidate or for a party/coalition. The number of seats won by each party is determined by the total number of votes received, and the seats are filled by the candidates with the most votes on the list.

The mixed-member proportional representation system, in turn, divides candidates into electoral districts, which may correspond to neighborhoods or micro-regions. In this model, half of the seats are filled by the candidates with the most votes within each district, while the other half is distributed among the parties with the most votes, following closed lists defined in advance by the parties.

The bill's rapporteur, Representative Domingos Neto (PSD-CE), explained that he intends to adopt a "single vote," unlike the traditional system, which would require two votes: one for the candidate and another for the party. "Under the mixed-member proportional representation system with a single vote, I will determine the party's proportionality based on the votes for the candidates in their district," Neto stated.

According to the parliamentarian, the double vote, used in countries like Germany, generates problems of proportionality. "This would diminish the correction of proportionality, which is a problem where there is a double vote, as in Germany. Germany, to correct proportionality, has been repeatedly increasing the number of deputies," he justified.

Domingos Neto also argued that the project will help create barriers to organized crime in legislatures, bringing candidates and voters closer together. “Currently, more than 80% of voters don't even remember who they voted for. We are living through a gigantic crisis of representation. Since there are thousands of candidates in each state, you don't even know who a candidate who might have come from organized crime is,” said the congressman.

The rapporteur also highlighted that the majority system in districts should improve the quality of electoral debate and reduce campaign costs. “In a majority election, the spotlight is shone on the election and, as a consequence, the voter is brought closer to the candidate and oversight is facilitated. Imagine having a debate for federal deputy like you do with mayors? That's the case here,” he added.

The project utilizes a text already presented by then-Senator José Serra and voted on in the Federal Senate, but which has been stalled in the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) since 2017. Domingos Neto stated that he has been listening to sectors of civil society, party leaders, and senators to align the text, which will need to return to the Senate after the changes. “We will now have a discussion with the leaders about strategy and form. This should be done with the leaders next week. That being said, the next step is to discuss the timing for voting on the urgency request, and the drafting of the report will take place after listening to the parliamentary groups and parties,” he said.

The Speaker of the House, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), decided to schedule the discussion for the end of this year, considering the legal annual deadline. All changes to the electoral process must be approved up to one year before the election; otherwise, they can only take effect in subsequent elections. According to the rapporteur, the fact that the reform will only come into force in 2030 creates a favorable "political environment" for the debate.