Is Information Power? Using Mobile Phones and Free Newspapers during an Election in Mozambique

• 成果类型: Review
• 署名作者: Aker, Jenny C.; Collier, Paul; Vicente, Pedro C.
• 署名单位: Tufts University; University of Oxford; Universidade Nova de Lisboa
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/REST_a_00611
• 发表日期: 2017-05
• 页码: 185-200
• 关键词: field experiment; voting-behavior; voter turnout; clientelism; provide

摘要

African elections often reveal low levels of political accountability. We assess different forms of voter education during an election in Mozambique. Three interventions providing information to voters and calling for their participation were randomized: an information campaign using SMS, an SMS hotline for electoral misconduct, and the distribution of a free newspaper. To measure impact, we look at official electoral results, reports by electoral observers, and behavioral and survey data. We find positive effects of all treatments on voter turnout. However, only the distribution of the free newspaper led to more accountability-based participation and to a decrease in electoral problems.