Protecting the Ballot: How First-Wave Democracies Ended Electoral Corruption

Electoral reforms in Europe between 1850 and 1918 aimed to reduce electoral misconduct and increase democratization. These reforms included harsher punishments for bribery, improved electoral secrecy, and mandating candidate representatives to supervise operations. Elite splits facilitated the formation of parliamentary majorities in support of these reforms, depending on the distribution of political resources and the economic and electoral costs incurred by politicians.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Between 1850 and 1918, a significant period of democratization took place in Europe, marked by the adoption of electoral reforms aimed at reducing the incidence of electoral malfeasance. This study, titled "Protecting the Ballot," explores the origins and consequences of these reforms.

Electoral malfeasance, which encompassed various forms of misconduct such as bribery, the politicization of state resources, and electoral fraud, posed a significant threat to the legitimacy of democratic elections. To address this issue, governments in Europe implemented a range of reforms.

One of the most prominent forms of reform was the imposition of harsher punishments for those who engaged in electoral malfeasance. These punishments included fines, imprisonment, and even disqualification from future elections. The rationale behind these measures was to deter potential offenders and ensure that the electoral process remained free and fair.

Another important aspect of the reforms was the improvement of electoral secrecy. This was achieved through measures such as the introduction of secret ballots, the use of tamper-proof voting machines, and the establishment of independent electoral commissions to oversee the conduct of elections. These measures aimed to protect the privacy of voters and prevent the manipulation of election results.

Reforms also included the mandating of candidate representatives to supervise electoral operations. These representatives were responsible for ensuring that the elections were conducted in a fair and transparent manner and for preventing any instances of electoral fraud. By ensuring the presence of these representatives, governments sought to minimize the risk of electoral irregularities and ensure that the democratic process was upheld.

Elite splits played a crucial role in facilitating the formation of parliamentary majorities in support of electoral reforms. These splits occurred when political elites disagreed on the best way to address the issue of electoral malfeasance. By forming alliances with other political groups, elites were able to secure the support of parliamentarians who were willing to endorse electoral reforms.

The political composition of these parliamentary majorities varied across countries and issue areas. In some cases, majorities were formed by political parties that were committed to democratic values and the rule of law. In other cases, majorities were formed by political parties that were motivated by economic interests or by the desire to consolidate power.

The electoral determinants of the demand for reforms varied across countries as well. In some countries, the demand for reforms was driven by a desire to promote democratic values and the rule of law. In other countries, the demand for reforms was driven by economic considerations, such as the desire to attract foreign investment or to reduce corruption.

Protecting the Ballot offers an alternative to theories of democratization that emphasize economic considerations alone. By studying the successful adoption of reforms limiting electoral irregularities in first-wave democratic transitions, the study sheds light on the opportunities and obstacles for ending electoral wrongdoing in recent democracies.

The findings of the study suggest that the successful adoption of electoral reforms requires a combination of political will, public support, and institutional capacity. Political will is essential for ensuring that governments are committed to implementing reforms and enforcing the rules that govern the electoral process. Public support is necessary for ensuring that reforms are widely accepted and implemented. Institutional capacity is necessary for ensuring that reforms are effectively implemented and enforced.

The study also highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of electoral malfeasance. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and political exclusion, which can contribute to the politicization of state resources and the emergence of electoral fraud. By addressing these root causes, governments can create a more conducive environment for democratic elections and promote the rule of law.

In conclusion, the adoption of electoral reforms limiting electoral malfeasance played a crucial role in the process of democratization in Europe between 1850 and 1918. These reforms aimed to promote democratic values, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights. By studying the successful adoption of reforms in this period, we can gain valuable insights into the opportunities and obstacles for ending electoral wrongdoing in recent democracies.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691240022