Sao Paulo - Brazil's incoming Congress decided from weekend elections will have to make room for a colourful new member: a professional clown who won the most number of votes of any of them.
Tiririca, a 45-year-old television humorist whose real name is Francisco Oliveira, scooped up 1.3-million votes in Sunday's polls to represent Sao Paulo, the highest number of votes for any federal deputy across the country.
His TV campaign ads, featuring him dancing around in a tiny hat and multi-coloured outfit with a cheesy smile, were easily the most irreverent spots in the lead-up to the general elections.
“It couldn't get any worse. Vote for me,” was his campaign slogan, which was followed by a number of riffs tapping into public cynicism about politics.
“What does a federal deputy do? I have no idea - but vote for me and I'll let you know,” went one of his ads.
“Vote for me as federal deputy so I can help the needy - especially my family,” he said in another.
In yet another, he took a dig at the more traditional politicians in Brazil's Congress, which is frequently plagued by corruption scandals.
“Are you tired of those slimy characters? Vote for Tiririca for federal deputy... If you vote for me, I will be in Brasilia, I will in reality be doing that thing for our lives, for Brazil, for our lives, for our moment, for our something,” he deadpanned.
Tiririca's mocking approach to the elections wasn't appreciated by all.
His detractors tried to have him barred from taking up his seat by lodging a lawsuit alleging he was illiterate - an automatic disqualification for a federal deputy. But a judge threw out the case. - Sapa-AFP