This paper explores the differences and similarities between the electoral
systems in Brazil and Colombia and how it affects Brazilian incumbent Federal
Deputies’ and Colombian Diputados’ political career choices and electoral success.
The main argument is that even though both electoral systems are, in general
terms, quite distinct, they appear to produce very similar effects in career choices
and reelection. The main cause of the effects found is that the institutional minutiae
of the two electoral systems increase their similarities.
