Challenges of brazilian democracy and the experience of TSE Research Groups

Abstract

The article presents the challenges of Brazilian democracy in a comparative perspective and how the experience of the Research Groups (GP’s) of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has taken place in this context, highlighting the role of the Electoral Justice in defending and operating the democratic regime. As a case study, the phases of the work carried out by the GP’s are described, covering the definition of the research fields, the methodology adopted, the products generated, the difficulties faced and the results. The study emphasizes the importance of dialogue between political institutions,
the Electoral Court and academia, focusing on the four thematic issues of the GP’s: Electoral Governance, Political Parties, Democracy in Networks, and Inclusion and Diversity. The experience demonstrated the importance of exchanges between specialists and Electoral Justice officials in order to improve their activities and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions, especially in the face of constant and challenging transformations.