New Political Parties Gain Voter Support Through Grassroots Organization Endorsements

This research explores how voters support new political parties in young democracies by examining the influence of locally organized societal groups like neighborhood associations, informal unions, and indigenous movements. Key Findings

• Organizational endorsements significantly sway voter preferences for new parties.
• These endorsements effectively mobilize members and their social networks despite policy/ethnic differences.

Data & Methods

Drawing on social identity and self-categorization theory, the study employs a discrete choice experiment conducted in Bolivia using campaign posters to measure the impact of organizational backing. The findings suggest that recognizing these mechanisms offers crucial insights into political party formation and success in new democracies.