THE OLD REPUBLIC (1889-1930)
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"Colonelism" - This plan depended on the action of the "colonels", who were great landowners whose title derived from their participation in the National Guard, an institution that secured the national order during the Empire. They controlled the regional electorate, campaigned for the official candidates and supervised the non-secret vote and its count.

The central government also controlled the Congress' Powers Verification Committee, which was responsible for the final results and the proclamation of the elects.