Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 07/2011

Elections in Africa: Mixed Blessings for Growth and Poverty Alleviation

June 2011

Danish Institute for International Studies

Abstract

Good governance and free elections are often described as preconditions for growth and poverty alleviation. But recent research tells a different story. Although elections motivate political elites to be responsive to popular demands the effects are ambiguous. This has implications for how donors should support policy initiatives in the productive sectors.