Electoral Politics in the Middle East

Comparative political study of the Middle East got off to a late start. Unlike any previous studies in comparative politics, this book, first published in 1980, represents an important methodological advance in that it proceeds by themes rather than by countries, and uniquely focuses on three major aspects of electoral politics in three contemporary Middle Eastern states. The three countries – Turkey, Lebanon and Israel – are chosen because they are the only Middle Eastern countries with a tradition of free elections. On the other hand, they also display certain characteristics found in other, non-competitive Middle Eastern political systems, such as the role and prominence of religion. The study is based on extensive original research and presents the first comparative treatment of electoral issues, voting behaviour and parliamentary elites, emphasising the context of rapid socio-economic change – a theme particularly pertinent to those countries with their tradition of free elections. The variety of political behaviour within the countries concerned, coupled with the prevailing complexities resulting from disparities in language and cultural inheritance, makes the comparative approach particularly revealing. The attitudes and behaviour of the voters can be seen to be at least as important as the laws and mechanisms involved.

Middle East · Political science · Politics · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Law · Middle East and Rwanda Conflicts · Middle East Politics and Society · asia · Elections · General · Israel · Lebanon · Political Process · politics and government · Turkey

• Electoral rules, voter mobilization and the Islamist landslide in the Saudi municipal elections of 2005

  Hendrik Kraetzschmar, Hendrik Jan Kraetzschmar•Contemporary Arab Affairs•2010

  Add to list

• Elections and Legitimacy in the Middle East

  Open Access•Dankwart A Rustow•The Annals of the American…•1985

  Add to list