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Is information power? Using mobile phones and free newspapers during an election in Mozambique

Author

Listed:
  • Jenny C. Aker
  • Paul Collier
  • Pedro C. Vicente

Abstract

African elections often reveal low levels of political accountability. We assess different forms of voter education during an election in Mozambique. Three interventions providing information to voters and calling for their electoral participation were randomized; an SMS-based information campaign, an SMS hotline for electoral misconduct, and the distribution of a free newspaper. To measure impact, we look at official electoral results, reports by electoral observers, behavioral and survey data. We find positive effects of all treatments on voter turnout. We observe that the distribution of the newspaper led to more accountability-based participation and to a decrease in electoral problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Jenny C. Aker & Paul Collier & Pedro C. Vicente, 2013. "Is information power? Using mobile phones and free newspapers during an election in Mozambique," NOVAFRICA Working Paper Series wp1304, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Nova School of Business and Economics, NOVAFRICA.
    • Handle: RePEc:unl:novafr:wp1304
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    Keywords

    Voter education; political economy; cell phones; newspapers; randomized experiment; field experiment; Mozambique; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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