International IDEA welcomes Brazil’s commitment to political finance regulation 

“Brazil’s actions to tackle political campaign financing reform, including the proposal to ban donations by private companies, are important in that they bring to the light the importance of a robust system of political finance regulation.”

These remarks were made by International IDEA’s Secretary-General, Mr Yves Leterme, as he delivered the keynote address at the International Seminar on Electoral Financing and Democracy in Brazil, held on 11-12 June.

The seminar focused on electoral financing, transparency, control mechanisms and corruption fighting. Mr Leterme was accompanied by International IDEA’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr Daniel Zovatto.

In addition to the seminar Mr Leterme and Mr Zovatto also held a separate meeting with Minister Dias Toffoli, President of the Supreme Electoral Court, who confirmed Brazil’s interest in joining International IDEA. Meetings were also held with the Acting Minister of Justice, Mr Marivaldo de Castro Pereira and with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sergio Danese, to talk about the challenges and opportunities in Brazil and Latin America.