Redistribution theories suggest incumbents target benefits to secure voter support. However, this article shows that durable benefits—which permanently boost incomes—might reduce dependence on incumbents. This paradox creates a new rationale for strategic allocation: balancing the income effect with standard electoral rewards.
Research Context & Data:
Brazil's semi-arid municipalities received state-funded cisterns to combat clientelism.
Administrative data tracks how states allocated these resources across regions.
Key Findings:
- Incumbents prioritize copartisans when local clientelistic mobilization is weak
- In areas with strong opposition mobilization, they favor targeting opposition mayors' districts
Electoral Strategy:
The strategy reveals that parties intentionally weaken voters in opposition areas to reduce overall dependence on political machines—a previously unstudied dynamic.
Real-World Relevance:
This approach demonstrates how clientelism shapes redistribution policies.
