ABSTRACT
Brazil's transition to democracy is well under way, yet far from complete Many severe challenges have been encountered and effectively met since Ernesto Geisel began "decompression" in the mid-1970s, but a viable competitive political system is far from being institutionalized. The unique features of the Brazilian transition toward democracy are that the initiative and guidance came essentially from within the regime itself-particularly from the military rather than from civilian sectors-and that, largely as a consequence, it has not involved any abrupt rupture in structures or even in fundamental policies. Brazil's party system, retaining substantial fluidity behind a facade of imposed rigidity, played a major role in the transition from institutionalized authoritarianism. Political realignments, though stemming in large part from political considerations, especially electoral ones, will also be influenced by developments within society and the economy.
