Despite democratic elections, governmental corruption persists in many countries.
This article argues that party system institutionalization plays a key role in this phenomenon.
Under-institutionalized party systems significantly limit accountability mechanisms and reduce the effectiveness of voter responses against corrupt incumbents.
To test these ideas, we combined methods from two distinct approaches: quantitative comparative analysis of eighty democracies globally, alongside qualitative assessment through case study methodology focused on Panama's political landscape.
Our findings demonstrate a powerful connection between institutionalized party systems and governmental integrity.
They suggest that even established democratic institutions may fall short if the underlying party structures remain weak or unstable.
