Citizens expect government accountability through voting when service delivery improves.

In Southern African democracies, however, a surprising negative relationship exists: better services predict lower support for dominant party incumbents.

This finding holds across regions and local governance types, suggesting voter concerns about corruption or increasing expectations drive the response. Survey data indicate citizens' attitudes are influenced by these factors as service quality rises.

Key Findings:

• Incumbent support decreases with better services
• This effect occurs regardless of local government control
• Citizens may demand accountability even when governments deliver well, potentially due to corruption concerns or ratcheting preferences (gradually increasing expectations)

Real-World Relevance:

This nuanced understanding challenges simplistic views on democratic accountability in developing nations and highlights the complex interplay between service provision perception and electoral behavior.