Technology
Electoral Clientelism and Vote Buying in New Democracies
Quick fact
In some elections, vote buying is so widespread that political parties openly distribute 'election day gifts' such as T-shirts, food, and cash, with a single vote costing as little as a few dollars.
Why this is interesting
Imagine being offered a bag of rice or cash in exchange for your vote. In many democracies, this is not a rare anomaly but a systematic political strategy. Why does this happen, and why do voters accept it?