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Authoritarian election as an incentive scheme

Author

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  • Hao Hong

    (Freddie Mac, Virginia, USA)

  • Tsz-Ning Wong

    (Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Basel, Switzerland)

Abstract

Authoritarian rule requires teamwork of political elites. However, elite class members may lack incentive for the contribution of their efforts. In this paper, we develop a model to study the decision of authoritarian rulers to introduce elections. Our model suggests that elections can motivate the ruling class to devote more effort to public good provision. As a result, elections alleviate the moral-hazard-in-teams problem within the authoritarian government. Excessive electoral control hinders the introduction of elections, but mild electoral control facilitates it. Our findings offer a new perspective on understanding authoritarian elections and explain many stylized facts in authoritarian regimes.

Suggested Citation

  • Hao Hong & Tsz-Ning Wong, 2020. "Authoritarian election as an incentive scheme," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 32(3), pages 460-493, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:32:y:2020:i:3:p:460-493
    DOI: 10.1177/0951629820910563
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    1. Torun Dewan & John W Patty, 2020. "Editors’ introduction to JTP issue 32(3)," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 32(3), pages 363-365, July.

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