Senate debates impeachment of Brazil president

Embattled Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's fate is now in the hands of her country's Senate, which is currently debating whether she should face a full impeachment trial or not.

The debate has been running for hours. If a simple majority votes in favour, Rousseff will be automatically suspended from her office.

Thirty four senators announced their intention to vote for impeachment, 10 against, and one who didn't show his hand, reports the Guardian.

Socialist party senator Lídice da Mata has been speaking. She said "all presidents and dozens of governors" have committed the acts for which Rousseff is now condemned.

Rousseff is accused of manipulating government accounts to hide a growing public deficit ahead of her re-election in 2014, which she clearly denies.

She made a last-ditch appeal to the Supreme Court to stop the proceedings, but the move was rejected.

A simple majority is required to oust Rousseff.

On a full complement of 81 senators, with all members present, 41 votes are needed for impeachment process to go ahead.

Meanwhile, pro- and anti-Rousseff demonstrators have been waiting outside the government buildings for the conclusion of the Senate session, which will be few hours from now.

According to polls, majority of Brazilians favour Rousseff's impeachment, though many remain concerned about her successor.