How Does Clientelism Foster Electoral Dominance? Evidence from Turkey

This article reveals how the AKP’s use of clientelism contributes to its electoral dominance. It does so by examining the features and actors as well as the structure of the clientelist network. The arguments are based on fieldwork in one of the poorest and most densely populated districts of Bağcılar, where in the 2015 legislative elections the AKP achieved more votes than in any other district in Istanbul.Introduction Concept of clientelism Method and case selection Features of the AKP's clientelism The actors The structure Conclusion Notes Reference