[Iceman]

The clown who ran for a seat in the Brazilian Congress has swept to victory.

Tiririca, who angered politicians after garnering huge public support for his campaign, received more than 1.3 million votes in Sao Paulo state - the most populous in the country.

The clown pulled in more than double the number of votes than the second-placed candidate, reports AFP.

Tiririca, whose real name is Francisco Everardo Oliveira Silva, ran a campaign of comic advertisements and catchphrases including, "What does a congressman do? The truth is I don't know, but vote for me and I'll tell you," as well as: "It can't get any worse if you vote for me."

In one political advert, the clown is seen dancing around in a colourful outfit, claiming: "Vote for me as federal deputy so I can help the needy - especially my family."

In another, Tiririca parodies a more traditional political broadcast, earnestly declaring: "Are you tired of those slimy characters? If you vote for me, I will be in Brasilia. I will in reality be doing that thing for our lives, for Brazil, for our lives, for our moment, for our something."

However, Tiririca now faces a lawsuit alleging that he cannot read or write, which would render him unable to assume his seat at Congress if proven true. The clown has 10 days to prove he is literate.