Brazilian lawmakers will see salaries docked for missing votes in Congress

The new president of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies, Rodrigo Maia, announced Wednesday that he will dock a day's salary each time a lawmaker misses a plenary vote in the chamber, to ensure a quorum for all votes ahead of October's local elections.

Maia, from the Democrats party, was elected to the role last week after his predecessor Eduardo Cunha resigned due to mounting corruption allegations.

"When a vote is called, each deputy must be present. It is like that in any job. If a date is marked for all the deputies to be here to vote, is is important that all should vote," Maia told the Chamber.

The leader added that he will bring this rule into effect three days a week in August, on top of all the commitments might have in their hometowns ahead of the elections.

A quorum is the minimum number of members needed to be present for votes to be valid.

The election campaign officially will begin on Aug. 16, which will be likely to affect the Chamber's legislative agenda.

"I believe that, in August, it will be possible to do this three times a week. In September, so close to the election, this will be more difficult," explained Maia.

On Tuesday, Maia dined with interim President Michel Temer and Senate President Renan Calheiros in a gesture of unity between the powers. Enditem