But exceptions remain: in the backward state of Alagoas 25 mayoral candidates face court cases.

ECONOMIST: Voters ignore the Workers�� Party��s troubles

The new justice minister comes from the notoriously corrupt state of Alagoas, but that too eases a gubernatorial election.

ECONOMIST: Brazil: Shuffling and dealing | The

They included Fernando Collor, a former president forced out in 1992 over corruption allegations, who failed to make a comeback as governor of his home state of Alagoas.

ECONOMIST: Brazil's presidential election

Mr Pascoal's gang has been tied to a group in the north-eastern state of Alagoas allegedly associated with Augusto Farias, a congressman whose murdered brother ran the influence-peddling ring that led to the impeachment of Fernando Collor as Brazil's president in 1993.

ECONOMIST: Brazil

Alagoas was an enthusiastic recipient.

ECONOMIST: Social policy in Brazil