How Restricting Money in Politics Strengthens Religious Influence

• In Event: Christianity and Politics in Latin America and Africa: Cross-Regional Dialogue

Abstract

How do parties campaign when spending is limited? We argue that constraints to parties' ability to finance their campaigns can facilitate the political entry of religious organizations that can provide low-cost mobilization. We examine this argument in the context of Brazil, a country where the electoral power of evangelical parties has grown rapidly in the last decade. Leveraging a reform that imposed limits on campaign spending for mayoral elections, we show that stricter limits increase the electoral entry and victory of parties supported by religious actors. Our findings highlight the political trade-offs of campaign spending reforms that seek to limit the role of money in politics. Curbing the influence of economic interests can empower societal actors with access to alternative campaign technologies.

Authors

• Melani Cammett, Harvard University

• Lucas M. Novaes, Insper - Institute of Education and Research

• Guadalupe Tuñón, Princeton University