El clientelismo en Paraguay: ¿Compra de votos o compra de participación electoral?

Abstract

Clientelism in Paraguay is widespread and socially acknowledged by politicians and citizens. However, it is relatively understudied in the comparative literature. This article offers a qualitative, descriptive account of the main actors and logics of the clientelistic linkages between politicians and citizens in Paraguay, focusing on both long-term relations and practices deployed during electoral periods. The article argues that clientelism in Paraguay is anchored in territorial party structures, identification with the main political parties, and networks of brokers with ties to neighbors. During periods of electoral campaigns, particularistic exchanges intensify and culminate in turnout buying on election day. The article shows that in Paraguay, the relational and electoral parts of clientelism are inseparable, whereby the former conditions the latter. Thus, turnout buying stems from the relations built over long time periods. The research is based on in-depth interviews and fieldwork in four cities in the metropolitan area of Asunción.