Elections and COVID-19 benefit payments

Shun-ichiro Bessho

Journal of Asian Economics, 2023, vol. 87, issue C

Abstract: This study examines the political factors associated with the implementation of a benefit payment policy in Japan during the COVID-19 crisis. The Japanese government announced a universal cash payment program in April 2020, but the payment date differed across localities. This study estimates the correlation between this timing and local politicians’ characteristics, finding that local governments with mayors elected unopposed tended to start making payments comparatively early. As such, mayors elected uncontested may be able to mobilize resources within government offices to execute programs such as the Special Fixed Benefit program in Japan, which attracted public attention.

Keywords: COVID-19; Universal cash payments; Election; Policy implementation; Uncontested election; Japan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E62 H30 R50 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:asieco:v:87:y:2023:i:c:s1049007823000507

DOI: 10.1016/j.asieco.2023.101630

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