Incentivizing Anti-corruption Reform: Evidence from Mexican Legislatures

• In Event: New Perspectives on Policymaking

Abstract

This paper explores whether electoral incentives can incentivize anti-corruption reform. I argue that the universal appeal and high level of risk associated to anti-corruption policies makes expectations ambiguous and a hard test for electoral incentives, theorizing that electoral incentives will matter when corruption is salient and electoral rules encourage legislators to pursue a personal vote. I leverage original data on anti-corruption initiatives introduced to state legislatures in Mexico and show that legislators with reelection incentives were more likely to advance anti-corruption initiatives and create local anti-corruption systems. Moreover, effects were larger for SMD deputies, compared PR deputies. Findings from this study suggest that even in highly corrupt countries, electoral incentives can drive politicians to advance anti-corruption reform.

Author

• Gustavo A Guajardo, Rice University