Why do Papua New Guinean voters opt for clientelism? Democracy and governance in a fragile state

Abstract

The paper examines the factors supporting the clientelist approach to politics that is having such detrimental impacts on the political and economic performance of Papua New Guinea. Lack of awareness on the part of voters of the consequences of their actions and of the possibility of political alternatives seems the most likely reason for the development and persistence of patron-client politics. Other reinforcing factors include the continuing institutional decay, such as in law and order, that has fed perceptions that superior political alternatives are not available. Data to test these hypotheses are urgently needed to assist efforts to implement change in voter behaviour that only serves to impoverish them. Show more