THE EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION PERCEPTION ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: EVIDENCE FROM AFRICA

Abstract

Scholars have previously examined the relationship between corruption and political participation with mixed results. However, some citizens are aware of corruption but choose to tolerate it. How does this tolerance for corruption influence citizens' political conduct? This research contributes to the literature by examining whether citizens' tolerance for corruption affects their participation in political activities, particularly on voter turnout and protest. The study uses regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between corruption tolerance and these two indicators of political participation. Using round 3 of the Afrobarometer data for 18 Sub-Saharan African countries, I hypothesize that individuals' tolerance of corruption decreases their willingness to vote in elections and participate in protests. The findings corroborate this expectation and demonstrate substantial robustness to various model specifications