Voto de jose sarney biography

José Ribamar Ferreira de Araújo Costa was educated as lawyer in the University of Maranhão. Elected an alternate deputy from Maranhão (1954), Costa temporarily filled a vacancy in the federal Chamber of Deputies until he entered the Chamber as a permanent deputy (1959-1966).

When the military regime instituted a government-controlled two-party system, Costa, who legally adopted Sarney as part of his family name (1965), joined the pro-government National Renewal Alliance Party (Aliança Renovadora Nacional [Arena]).

He won the election as governor of the State of Maranhão (31 Jan 1966 - 15 Mar 1971) and after completing his term he took a seat in the Federal Senate (1971-1985). Remaining loyal to the military government, Sarney was installed as president of Arena (1979) and later as president of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) (1980-1984).

As Brazil was moving towards restoration of the civilian government, Sarney abandoned PSD and joined the Brazilian