As federações partidárias como alternativa às extintas coligações nos pleitos proporcionais

Abstract

Since the end of party coalitions in proportional elections, brought about by Constitutional Amendment No. 97/2017, the issue has once again become central to debates on electoral reform in Brazil. In September 2021, Law No. 14,208/2021 was enacted, authorizing the creation of party federations. In this context, this article aims—through a deductive method and comparative analysis—to examine whether party federations constitute a viable alternative to the former coalitions in proportional elections, considering the structural differences between the two associational models. The study also explores the new configuration of joint action among political parties, highlighting that, unlike coalitions, federations are subject to a mandatory minimum period of joint operation corresponding to the duration of the legislative mandate, rather than being limited to the electoral process itself. It is concluded that party federations provide a more suitable framework for proportional alliances, particularly due to the requirement of continued collective action. Nevertheless, the analysis indicates that the legislation still requires revision in certain aspects, a need that may be assessed through the empirical experience of its application in the 2022 elections and in subsequent electoral cycles.