In Sunday's Brazilian general elections, the ruling Workers' Party (PT) maintained its control over the lower house of parliament, but smaller parties gained ground, with 28 political formations represented, compared to 22 in the past elections. The PT held onto 70 seats, while losing 18, while its ally, the centrist Brazilian Democratic Movement (PMDB) lost five seats, and won 66. In the Senate the PMDB preserved its majority with 18 seats, while the PT has 12. teleSUR