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Presidential Elections and Corruption Perceptions in Latin America
Präsidentschaftswahlen und Korruptionswahrnehmung in Lateinamerika
[journal article]
Abstract
This paper argues that perceptions of corruption in Latin America exhibit predictable fluctuations in the wake of presidential turnover. Specifically, presidential elections that result in the partisan transfer of power are normally followed by a surge-and-decline pattern in perceived corruption con... view more
This paper argues that perceptions of corruption in Latin America exhibit predictable fluctuations in the wake of presidential turnover. Specifically, presidential elections that result in the partisan transfer of power are normally followed by a surge-and-decline pattern in perceived corruption control, with initial improvements that fade with time. The causes are multiple and stem from the removal of corrupt administrations, public enthusiasm about administrative change, and the relative lack of high-level corruption scandals in the early phases of new governments. A statistical analysis of two widely used corruption perceptions indices demonstrates the pattern for eighteen Latin American democracies from 1996 to 2010. Both indices exhibit a temporary surge (of about two years) after turnover elections, while no such change follows reelections of incumbent presidents or parties. The theory and results are relevant for understanding public opinion in Latin America and for the analysis of corruption perceptions indices. (author's abstract)... view less
Keywords
Latin America; political system; presidential election; election result; voting behavior; corruption; perception; dissatisfaction with politics; scandal; public opinion; international comparison
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Method
empirical; quantitative empirical
Document language
English
Publication Year
2015
Page/Pages
p. 111-142
Journal
Journal of Politics in Latin America, 7 (2015) 1
ISSN
1868-4890
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed