Rethinking political competition: Contracts and nationally located linkages in Colombian municipalities (1988–2015)

Abstract

AbstractAt the end of the twentieth century, Latin American states began processes of transition and democratic expansion. Two decades later, these processes seem to have been partially achieved through mostly competitive subnational governments in the region. Yet, some countries still show uncompetitive elections and restrictions to local and regional power. This study shows how the interaction between political and administrative decentralization conditions and competition vary in Colombian local municipalities. Using local electoral data and local numbers of contractors, it reveals that politicians at the national level and the number of local contractors are positively related to higher levels of political competition. These results evidence the importance of national political variables and show how administrative decentralization affects local electoral competition.