1. Patronage, Posturing, Duty, Demographics: Why Afghans Voted in 2009
- Author:
- Noah Coburn and Anna Larson
- Publication Date:
- 08-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU)
- Abstract:
- What explains the levels of both participation and enthusiasm during the 2009 elections in Kabul Province? Although some voters were motivated by a sense of national duty, and a desire to take part in the democratic process, the majority voted for a variety of other, overlapping reasons. This paper argues that to understand voting attitudes in Kabul Province it is necessary to also look at social pressure, material incentives, a desire to demonstrate community strength, and a desire to “back the winning horse.”
- Topic:
- Elections, Democracy, Voting, Participation, and Community
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan and Middle East