Electoral support for candidates involved in drug trafficking: experimental evidence from Peru
Why do citizens vote for candidates involved in organized crime? Drawing on theories of voting behavior and accountability, I assess the extent to which individuals engage in trade-off evaluations when voting for candidates linked to drug trafficking organizations (DTOs). Using a vignette experiment...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article (Journal) |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2025
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| In: |
Comparative political studies
Year: 2025, Pages: 1-37 |
| ISSN: | 1552-3829 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00104140251381759 |
| Online Access: | Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1177/00104140251381759
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| Author Notes: | Mariana V. Ramírez Bustamante |
| Summary: | Why do citizens vote for candidates involved in organized crime? Drawing on theories of voting behavior and accountability, I assess the extent to which individuals engage in trade-off evaluations when voting for candidates linked to drug trafficking organizations (DTOs). Using a vignette experiment embedded in online surveys in Peru, I manipulated side benefits that accrue from drug trafficking. The results, which I also test using qualitative evidence from in-depth elite interviews, show support for my core hypothesis, which I term a competence mechanism: citizens are more favorable toward DTO-linked candidates when that connection brings positive returns. Specifically, I find security side benefits increase electoral support for narco-linked politicians, while economic goods do not have a direct significant effect on voting behavior unless citizens justify this illegal economy. Further, tolerance toward the drug trade has a direct effect on support for this type of malfeasant candidates. |
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| Item Description: | Online veröffentlicht am 29. September 2025 Gesehen am 16.01.2026 |
| Physical Description: | Online Resource |
| ISSN: | 1552-3829 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00104140251381759 |