Vendiendo soluciones. Campañas tradicionales y profesionalizadas en Chile

Abstract

This paper studies the relationship between candidates and the electorate through a in-depth analysis of three political campaigns for the Chamber of deputies in Chile in 2013. Confirming recent findings, this article shows the dominance of non-programmatic or clientelistic linkages between the electorate and representatives which implies the transaction of votes for information, material resources and influence. The paper distinguishes two campaign strategies: a traditional strategy supported on historical patterns of intermediation, and a professionalized one which rationalize and makes an efficient allocation of resources. The study makes a relevant empirical as well as conceptual contribution to the study of the patterns of political intermediation in social contexts of social disaffection.