High corruption levels reduce reliance on ideology in elections. This occurs due to voter difficulties identifying party positions or mistrust in their ability to deliver promised programs.

Data & Methods: Analysis uses Comparative Study of Electoral Systems data from 97 elections across multiple countries, employing statistical controls for socio-economic and political factors.

Key Findings: Voters prioritize anti-corruption stances over ideological alignment. Trust deficits hinder voters' capacity to evaluate party positions effectively based on rational choice principles.

Why It Matters: These insights clarify how institutional failure affects voting behavior and challenge simplistic views of democratic responsiveness.