Nelson Motta
Reporter - Agencia Brasil

Brasilia – The President of the Federal Election Court (TSE), Minister Carlos Velloso, said this Monday (21) that it is difficult to eliminate the use of unreported funds in electoral campaigns. He believes, though, that it is possible to reduce the problem with a new legislation.

The Minister made these declarations after handing to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva the project outline proposing more severe punishment for electoral crimes. For instance, the sentence for using unreported contributions would go from 2-3 years to 3-6 years in prison. The outline also suggests improvements in the expenses report system used by candidates and political parties.

According to Velloso, President Lula promised the creation of a group to study the proposals. "He didn’t specify who would integrate the group".

Translation: Andréa Alves