Incumbent Rodrigo Maia wins third term in House Speaker election

There is a popular saying in Brazil that “the year doesn’t start until after Carnival.” While this might be applicable to many people in the country, it’s not quite accurate when we are dealing with Congress. In Brazil’s Legislative branch, the year doesn’t start until the elections of the House Speaker and Senate President.

The latter is still in limbo, after a turbulent session which descended into seemingly endless bickering and grandstanding. The lower house, however, has picked its “new” leader, electing incumbent Rodrigo Maia for another two years.

Rodrigo Maia, of the right-wing Democratas party, swept to victory, winning an absolute majority in the lower house and triumphing in the first round. Of 513 total votes, Mr. Maia won 334, offering him a third term in charge of the lower house. Fábio Ramalho, of the Brazilian Democratic Movement party, came in second with 66 votes. Left-wing Marcelo Friexo won 50.

Rodrigo Maia’s corridor negotiations ensured him a...