Date/Time
Date(s) - 14 May 2026
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Categories
Electoral Competition and Economic Development: Evidence from Pakistan
In recent years, many commentators have challenged the idea that democratic institutions are more conducive to economic growth and development. In this paper, we contribute to the literature by studying the impact of electoral competition on economic development in Pakistan from 1992 to 2018. Using data on electoral competition provided by the Election Commission of Pakistan and data on local economic development proxied by nighttime light data, our findings suggest that electoral competition improves economic growth and the provision of public goods. Baseline estimates show an increase in nighttime light intensity of around 9–11% in electorally competitive constituencies compared with non-competitive constituencies, corresponding to an increase in local GDP of around 2.7–3.4%.
Join us to hear more from Dr Codeceira on this topic, with the opportunity for discussion.
Authors: Akseer Hussain (York) and Victor Codeceira (Buckingham)
Date: 14 May 2026
Time: 13:00 – 14:30
Venue: Enterprise Hub (First Floor), Vinson Building, The University of Buckingham