JOURNAL ARTICLE

Electoral Politics of Disaster: how earthquake and pandemic relief was used to earn votes.

  • Published In: Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy & Society, 2023, v. 16, n. 1. P. 93 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Imami, Drini; Pojani, Dorina; Merkaj, Elvina 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the phenomenon of Electoral Politics of Disaster (EPD) in Albania, where the incumbent government leveraged relief efforts following a destructive 2019 earthquake and the Covid-19 pandemic to increase electoral support ahead of the 2021 parliamentary elections. Analysis shows that both earthquake reconstruction funding and Covid-19 vaccination rates surged immediately before the elections and declined afterward, suggesting these resources were strategically deployed to mobilize votes. The ruling Socialist Party's electoral gains correlated positively with the distribution of earthquake relief funds, indicating political particularism amid weak governance and institutional oversight. The study highlights risks associated with EPD, including economic strain, compromised public health, and threats to democratic processes.

Additional Information

  • Source:Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy & Society. 2023/03, Vol. 16, Issue 1, p93
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geography and Cartography
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:1752-1378
  • DOI:10.1093/cjres/rsac042
  • Accession Number:162786166
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy & Society is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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