by PublicABCP
Translated and reviewed by Matheus Lucas Hebling
Collective mandates represent an innovative approach to political representation in Brazil. Débora Rezende de Almeida, a researcher in the Graduate Program in Political Science at the University of Brasília, analyzed how these mandates are exercised by groups rather than individuals in a study published in Revista de Sociologia e Política in 2023.
The study introduces the concept of “representation as participation,” emphasizing that collective mandates not only complement but also transform political representation by creating stronger connections between civil society and political institutions.
To explore how collective mandates function, Rezende de Almeida conducted 66 semi-structured interviews with 76 representatives from 35 collective mandates elected between 2016 and 2020. Using interpretative content analysis, the research examined participants’ practices and perceptions of political representation.
According to the article, most collective mandates are structured around a group or political council responsible for mobilization, advising, and policy proposals. However, one of the key challenges of this model is maintaining sustained engagement from activists, who often have additional commitments to other political and social movements.
The study found that collective mandates seek to redefine political engagement by focusing on descriptive, collective, and participatory representation. These mandates actively integrate social movements’ projects and agendas into the legislative process, adapting political action methods and diversifying participatory practices.
Collective mandates have significant implications for Brazilian politics, expanding inclusivity and improving the representation of historically underrepresented groups. The article notes that while these mandates face challenges, such as negotiating with established party structures, they have the potential to strengthen democracy by fostering civic participation and responsiveness to societal demands. This suggests that collective mandates may serve as a valuable tool for political reform, enhancing the connection between citizens and institutions.
The study’s findings indicate that collective mandates offer new perspectives on both the understanding and practice of political representation, though they also face substantial challenges in terms of implementation and long-term sustainability.
About the Author
Débora Rezende de Almeida is an associate professor at the Institute of Political Science at the University of Brasília and one of the coordinators of the Rethinking State-Society Relations Research Group (RESOCIE). She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (2011).
Publication Details
Title: Representation as Participation: Collective Mandates in Brazil
Author: Débora Rezende de Almeida
Publication Year: 2023
Where to Read: SciELO Brasil – Revista de Sociologia e Política, Volume 31
