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Mafia in the Ballot Box

Author

Listed:
  • Giuseppe De Feo
  • Giacomo Davide De Luca

Abstract

We study the impact of organized crime on electoral results, analyzing in detail the national parliamentary elections in Sicily for the period 1946-1992. We document the significant support given by the Sicilian mafia to the Christian Democratic Party when the electoral competition by the Communist Party strengthened. We also provide suggestive evidence that, in exchange for its electoral support, the mafia obtained economic advantages in the construction sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppe De Feo & Giacomo Davide De Luca, 2017. "Mafia in the Ballot Box," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 9(3), pages 134-167, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:9:y:2017:i:3:p:134-67
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/pol.20150551
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • L74 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Primary Products and Construction - - - Construction

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