Three Brazilian members of parliament accused of involvment in a cash-for-votes scandal have been absolved by the lower house of Congress in a secret vote.

The parliamentarians -- Osmir Lima, Zilla Bezerra and Chicao Brigido -- were accused of receiving money last year to support a bill allowing President Fernando Henrique Cardoso to run for reelection this year.

All three denied the allegations, which had surfaced in the Brazilian press.

Left-wing members of parliament reacted angrily to the vote, accusing Congress of unwillingness to punish MPs who support the government.