Why Governments And Parties Manipulate Elections PDF Download

This volume examines and analyses electoral politics in Sri Lanka through the theoretical framework of manipulation. The following questions guided the study: how do political actors manipulate elections, and what are the salient features of electoral politics in Sri Lanka? Primary and secondary data formed the basis of the analysis, examining eight presidential elections. The research findings indicated that Sri Lankan governments, political parties and political leaders have taken advantage of a number of different types of electoral manipulation, including constitutional tinkering, field fixing, time fixing, vote suppression, process manipulation and resource manipulation. Through a close examination of recent presidential elections, research carried out for the volume found that elections are often associated with violence; presidential elections are mainly a majoritarian affair where minority communities play a marginal role; there is a significant gender imbalance, as women's participation in the electoral process is very limited; in spite of the presence of a large number of candidates contesting the election, it always remains a two-way race; and amidst extensive manipulation and other problems, voter participation tends to be high. This volume will be a valuable resource for students, academics and researchers who focus on democracy, good governance, electoral studies and South Asian politics and history, and will enhance the conceptual foundation of democracy advocates and activists.