Vote-buying crime reports in Mexico: magnitude and correlates

Abstract

Vote-buying is a significant problem in developing democracies. If reports of vote-buying crimes are high, results may be challenged by competing candidates in electoral courts, and violent political confrontation may erupt. Also, if not prosecuted, there is danger of vote-buying becoming a common feature of electoral processes. This study assessed the magnitude and correlates of vote-buying crime reports during the 2006 elections in Mexico. It made use of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) survey on the Protection of Federal Social Programs of 2006 (ENAPP). Results showed that 8.8% of the survey respondents nationwide who were not beneficiaries of any federal social program reported to have been offered something in exchange of their vote, that is, a vote-buying crime under the legislation of Mexico. Ordinal logistic regression showed five independent correlates of vote-buying crime reports: Years of schooling, Indian language speaking, municipal marginality, population size, and PRD versus PAN governed municipalities. The paper discusses the reasons and consequences by suggesting other aspects to consider for future research.

Challenges for Energy Transition in Poverty-Ridden Regions—The Case of Rural Mixteca, Mexico

“…One in two people in Mexico was offered a bribe for their vote, and one in four was threatened with retaliation [57]. The issue is exacerbated in Mixteca by factors such as the population's financial dependence and the association with low levels of schooling [58], which are well-known and widespread. In transgressions related to corruption, impunity reached 98% [59]; simple acts such as requests for public services, among other interactions with the government, are actions that involve corruption and which are also experienced among the poorest communities [60].…”

Problematika Dan Strategi Penanganan Politik Uang Pemilu Serentak 2019 Di Indonesia

“…Pertama, dari aspek demografis dan sosial ekonomi (Vilalta, 2010). Hasil penelitiannya menunjukkan bahwa pendidikan, tingkat marginalitas, ukuran populasi, partai yang memerintah, tingkat kompetensi pemilihan mempengaruhi vote buying.…”

Gifts for votes? Vote buying as a predictor of turnout in Latin America

“…If the number of reports is high, the fairness of elections can be challenged in the courts, which can lead to violent political confrontations between candidates. Meanwhile, if vote buying goes largely unreported, it may become a common phenomenon in the electoral process (Vilalta, 2010). Researchers must study the possible effects of vote buying and attempt to verify it empirically.…”