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The Dynamic Electoral Returns of a Large Antipoverty Program

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Zimmermann

    (University of Georgia)

Abstract

Governments around the world use short-term reelection strategies. This is problematic if governments can maximize their reelection chances by prioritizing short-term spending before an election over long-term reforms. This paper tests whether longer program exposure has a causal effect on election outcomes in the context of a large antipoverty program in India. Using a regression-discontinuity framework, the results show that length of program exposure lowers electoral support for the government. The paper discusses a couple of potential explanations, finding that the most plausible mechanism is that voters hold the government accountable for the program's implementation quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Zimmermann, 2021. "The Dynamic Electoral Returns of a Large Antipoverty Program," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 103(5), pages 803-817, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:restat:v:103:y:2021:i:5:p:803-817
    DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_00935
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    Cited by:

    1. Odei Erdiaw-Kwasie, Michael & Abunyewah, Matthew & Edusei, Joseph & Buernor Alimo, Emmanuel, 2020. "Citizen participation dilemmas in water governance: An empirical case of Kumasi, Ghana," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 20(C).
    2. Belloc, Filippo & Burdin, Gabriel & Landini, Fabio, 2022. "Robots, Digitalization, and Worker Voice," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1038, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    3. Ganslmeier, Michael, 2023. "Are Campaign Promises Effective?," EconStor Preprints 274069, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    4. Balasubramaniam, Vimal & Bhatiya, Apurav Yash & Das, Sabyasachi, 2025. "Synchronized elections strengthen party salience: Evidence from a decentralized democracy," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 53(4), pages 916-936.
    5. Boudot-Reddy, Camille & Butler, André, 2024. "Paving the road to re-election," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    6. Filippo Belloc & Gabriel Burdin & Fabio Landini, 2023. "Advanced Technologies and Worker Voice," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 90(357), pages 1-38, January.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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