The Impact of Political Competition on Economic Growth: Evidence from Municipalities in South Africa. (26th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Obikili, Nonso
• Is Part Of: South African journal of economics. Volume 87:Number 1(2019:Mar.)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2018-11-26
• Subjects: Political competition -- economic growth -- democracy -- voting behaviour -- Africa -- South Africa; Economics -- Periodicals; South Africa -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Économie politique -- Périodiques; Afrique du Sud -- Conditions économiques -- Périodiques; Economie; ECONOMICS; Electronic journals; 330.5
• DOI: 10.1111/saje.12208
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-2280

Abstract

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of political competition on economic growth. In this paper, I show that internal political dynamics, distinct from the type of political system, can having different effects on growth. Using results from the 1994 and 1999 elections in South Africa, I show that municipalities with higher levels of political competition have shown lower levels of economic growth. I use individual level surveys to show that this political competition is associated with political paralysis, dissatisfaction with the current democracy and government and lower optimism about the future.