A efetividade das cotas de gênero na ampliação da representação política feminina: um estudo comparativo sobre as eleições para deputado estadual no Maranhão (2014–2022)

Abstract

This research analyzes the effectiveness of gender quotas and reforms in the campaign finance system in expanding female political representation. The study aims to evaluate the impact of these affirmative actions on the elections for the position of State Deputy in Maranhão, in a comparative analysis of the 2014, 2018, and 2022 elections. To this end, a methodology was adopted that combines a qualitative approach, through the analysis of the legislative and jurisprudential evolution on the subject, with a quantitative one, based on the collection and comparison of data from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). The variables analyzed include the number of candidacies by gender, campaign funds raised, votes obtained, and the electoral success rate. The results indicate that although the percentage of female candidacies remained stagnant near the legal minimum of 30%, the number of elected women doubled in the period, increasing from 6 in 2014 to 12 in 2022. It was also found that elected female candidates required, on average, a higher volume of financial resources than elected men, with a greater dependence on public funds. It is concluded that linking gender quotas to campaign financing was effective in increasing the competitiveness and the number of women in the Maranhão legislature, but the achievement of gender parity still faces structural barriers, such as the merely formal adherence of political parties to the legislation