/ Research
Do candidates from NPO who adopt party political values improve their chances of electoral success?
In a newly published article in Policy & Politics, Oto Potluka, senior researcher at CEPS, and Marybel Perez (formerly CEPS) examine the relationship between the adoption of core party-political values and an individual's election prospects. Based on a survey of 355 local candidates in Prague, Budapest and Bratislava, the authors show that many aspiring politicians adopt a party's core values to improve their chances of success in running for the local elections. However, while the willingness to join a political party increases the probability of being nominated as a candidate, the actual chances of being elected do not increase.
The results suggest that voter behavior is influenced by other factors, in particular the national position of political parties. The recognition that local political issues are subordinated to national politics in local elections raises doubts about the possibilities for effective local collective action and has an impact on our understanding of local leadership and on policies that aim to promote decentralization.
Potluka, O., & Perez, M. (2018). Do candidates from non-profit organisations who adopt party political values improve their chances of electoral success? Policy & Politics. doi: https://doi.org/10.1332/030557318X15296528666750 (restricted access)