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The Effect of the Proportionality Degree of Electoral Systems on Corruption

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  • Maria Rosaria Alfano
  • Anna Laura Baraldi
  • Erasmo Papagni

Abstract

This work provides a new way to analyze of the effect of electoral system and corruption: through its degree of proportionality. It seems the correct way to consider them because their proportionality degree varies under the same PR, plurality and mixed system. Results show that those degrees of proportionality which allow both voters’ and opponents’ monitors to exercise their power, induce politicians to avoid corrupt behaviour. This happens when we increase plurality elements into PR. But it is beneficial only up to certain proportionality degrees, after which the corresponding level of corruption begins to grow. For governors the choice of their proportionality degree becomes, therefore, fundamental.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Rosaria Alfano & Anna Laura Baraldi & Erasmo Papagni, 2015. "The Effect of the Proportionality Degree of Electoral Systems on Corruption," EERI Research Paper Series EERI RP 2015/03, Economics and Econometrics Research Institute (EERI), Brussels.
    • Handle: RePEc:eei:rpaper:eeri_rp_2015_03
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Electoral Systems; corruption; proportionality degree; semi-parametric methods.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models

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