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Policy Insights in Political Economy & Governance

J-PAL’s Political Economy & Governance sector seeks to improve governance and service delivery in developing countries. Our policy insight below summarizes the general lessons emerging from randomized evaluations on the impact of gender quotas on women’s political representation and service delivery.

—Benjamin Olken (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Rohini Pande (Harvard Kennedy School), Political Economy & Governance Co-Chairs

Image: Elections in Nagpur, India

The risks and rewards of voter information campaigns in low- and middle-income countries

Last updated: March 2019
Providing information on candidates’ qualifications, policy positions, and performance in office can affect voter turnout and who people vote for. In lower-income countries, this type of information has been most effective when it was widely disseminated from a credible source. Read More
Political posters in India

Improving women’s representation in politics through gender quotas

Last updated: April 2018
Gender quotas for women in local government bodies can improve women’s representation in politics, increase provision of public services, and improve perceptions of women as leaders. Read More

Political Economy & Governance Sector

For more research on improving governance and service delivery, including on increasing political participation, reducing corruption and leakages, and building state capacity, visit J-PAL’s Political Economy & Governance sector.

Sector Chairs

Benjamin A. Olken

Co-Chair

Rohini Pande

Co-Chair

Sector Contacts

Adil Ababou headshot

Adil Ababou

Policy Manager

[email protected]
(617) 324-6364

Eliza Keller

Policy and Communications Manager

[email protected]
(617) 324-5991

David Alzate

Policy Associate

[email protected]
(617) 324-7572