Parliamentary ombudsman (ouvidoria) and its democratic potential: The Brazilian case

Abstract

This research aims to map and analyze the institutional designs of the parliamentary ombudsman in Brazil and the pattern of action that prevails from his/her relationship with the public. A qualitative approach was used for this case study, focusing on document analysis of formal resolutions of state assemblies as well as the information provided on their websites. A case study of the Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais (ALMG) was also created in order to better understand how the work of the ombudsman is structured and how the interactions of such with other officials may be relevant to his/her performance. The case study determined that the parliamentary ombudsman is constituted as anaccess mechanism for citizens, amplifying the opportunities for them to present their demands. However, the ombudsman is neither a communication nor a participation channel.