Devaluing the Vote in Latin America

Issue Date January 2001
Volume 12
Issue 1
Page Numbers 146-159
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Malapportionment poses a serious, yet hitherto neglected, challenge to the quality and fairness of democracy in many Latin American countries.

About the Authors

Richard Snyder

Richard Snyder is assistant professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His books include Politics after Neoliberalism: Reregulation in Mexico (2001).

View all work by Richard Snyder

David Samuels

David Samuels, assistant professor of political science at the University of Minnesota, specializes in Latin American politics and the comparative study of political institutions, with particular emphasis on Brazilian politics, electoral systems, political parties, legislatures, and federalism.

View all work by David Samuels

Further Reading

Volume 33, Issue 2

The Long Game: The Opposition Wins in Honduras

The country’s opposition beat an authoritarian incumbent by unifying, organizing its supporters, and contesting every election no matter the odds. Can the strategy be applied elsewhere?

Volume 26, Issue 4

A New Militarism in Latin America

Latin American countries are burdened with domestic security problems and institutional weaknesses that have led to a rising political role for the military forces. Are there serious dangers in this…

Volume 32, Issue 3

Latin America Erupts: When Does Competitive Authoritarianism Take Root?

It is not easy to build a stable hybrid regime. Elected autocrats may try, but comparing Bolivia, Brazil, and Venezuela shows how difficult it is to succeed.