Summary
Contents
Subject index
Changes since the last edition: • The previous edition didn't quite fit modules on either comparative politics or voters and elections. The new edition is more closely mapped to modules on the latter. • New chapters on authoritarian elections and regime change, and electoral integrity. • Re-inclusion of a chapter on voting behaviour. • Stronger focus on the economy.
Electoral Integrity and Political Legitimacy
Electoral Integrity and Political Legitimacy
When elections work well, as discussed in the final chapter in this book, they can select office-holders and governments, determine policy priorities, link citizens (as principals) with representatives (as agents), generate inclusive legislatures, confer legitimacy on elected authorities, hold leaders to account, and provide the main opportunity for most ordinary citizens to participate in politics. Well-functioning contests can also be expected to strengthen a citizen's feelings of political legitimacy, including trust in elected institutions such as parties and governments, and overall satisfaction with the performance of democracy and protection of human rights. Even losers are thought more likely to accept the outcome of a fair election in the belief that in the next contest ...
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