Legislative Performance and Presidential Elections

• In Event: Electoral Accountability

Abstract

Previous research on retrospective voting has primarily emphasized the national-level
performance of incumbents; this study highlights the importance of local-level performance.
This study argues that considering the limited capacity of the state to provide public goods at the national level, local-level performance matters more to voters in the framework of retrospective voting.
Drawing on data from the Afrobarometer survey Round 7 conducted in Ghana, the findings indicate that voters prioritize the local performance of legislative candidates, and when these candidates perform well, voters are more likely to support the presidential candidate from the same political party.
This underscores the significance of local-level performance and accountability in shaping voting behavior and democratic outcomes in African countries.
By emphasizing the relevance of local performance over national performance, this study contributes to our understanding of the dynamics between legislative and presidential elections, emphasizing the need to consider the local context in electoral analyses.

Author

• Owura Kwabena Kuffuor, Purdue University