Campaign success hinges on practitioner personalities, which shape voter perceptions of electoral integrity.

This study investigates how charismatic vs. competent campaign leaders influence public trust in election fairness. ※ We analyze survey data from two continents and compare it against field experiment results.

※ Key Findings:

• Charismatic practitioners boost engagement but may lower perceived integrity
• Competent practitioners enhance confidence in electoral processes
• Personality effects vary by country-level political context

※ Why It Matters:

Electoral outcomes are affected not just by policy positions, but also by the personal traits associated with campaigns.