Brasília, 3/10/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The proposed inclusion of public financing mechanisms and closed voter lists (ballots would be cast only for parties rather than individual candidates) are the most controversial items in the political reform bill that is supposed to be a legislative priority. It has been difficult to reach a consensus, with some 30% of the members of the lower house saying they are opposed to public financing and closed lists. Leaders of some political parties say they are planning to shower the bill with amendments.

However, the president of the chamber, João Paulo Cunha (PT-SP), says he believes it will be possible to get a vote on the bill. That will depend on whether or not the bill is treated with urgency. If not, it will be almost impossible to get a vote before the local elections this year in October. (AB)