Gender Representation and Mayoral Elections in Turkey

• In Event: Poster Session: Women and Politics Research I

Abstract

Existing research on political representation in established democracies has shown that lower-level and less prestigious offices tend to be more open and accessible to women as well as other underrepresented groups (Diamond 1977; Sanbonmatsu 2002; Rule 1987; Welch and Karnig 1979, Vengroff et al.2003). When it comes to transitioning democracies, however, much less is known. This is partly because research on the Middle East and other regions has focused almost exclusively on women’s representation at the national level. Indeed, due to data limitations, we know significantly less about who runs for and holds local office, not only in the MENA region, but in most countries around the world. The present study addresses this gap by examining women’s representation in mayoral elections in Turkey. Using an original dataset that combines candidate- and election-level data for the last two mayoral elections in Turkey (2009 & 2014), we examine party-level nomination rules and processes and systematically investigate where parties slate female mayoral candidates and what factors influence both their candidacies and their electoral successes.

Authors

• Melissa J. Marschall, Rice University

• Saadet Konak Unal, University of Houston