Money for Votes: The Causes and Consequences of Electoral Clientelism in Africa

Eric Kramon, assistant professor of political science and international affairs, looks at examples of politicians distributing money to voters during campaigns in low-income democracies and develops an alternative theory of electoral clientelism beyond “vote buying.” Instead, he emphasizes the role of monetary handouts in conveying information to voters, helping politicians enhance the credibility of their promises to deliver development resources and particularistic benefits to their constituents.