Electoral integrity and support for democracy in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine

McAllister, I. and White, S. (2015) Electoral integrity and support for democracy in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties, 25(1), pp. 78-96. (doi: 10.1080/17457289.2014.911744)

Abstract

The expansion of democracy following the collapse of communism in 1989–1990 led many to believe that democratic institutions would rapidly take root. However, over the past decade, electoral malpractice has become widespread, casting doubt on democratic consolidation. This paper examines the causes and consequences of weak electoral integrity in Belarus, Russia, and the Ukraine. Using a series of opinion surveys conducted since 2000, we show that public perceptions of electoral unfairness have their roots in seeing widespread corruption among public officials. By contrast, viewing elections as fair correlates with support for the incumbent government, and in watching television, the latter showing the importance to the regimes of control of the mass media. In turn, views about electoral integrity have a significant impact on satisfaction with democracy, especially in Belarus. The results suggest that only root and branch reform in the post-communist societies will substantially improve public perceptions of electoral integrity.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: White, Professor Stephen
• Authors: McAllister, I., and White, S.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISSN: 1745-7289
• ISSN (Online): 1745-7297