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Africa’s corrosive politics

Editorial

The Economist

Politics always costs money, but “the link between cash and power is especially corrosive” in Africa, says The Economist. In rich democracies parties pick candidates and subsidise their campaigns. In Africa, politicians pay “vast sums to run on aparty ticket” and then spend more on campaigns and handouts to voters, which serve as both bribes and “hints of future generosity”. In office, MPs continue to spend, much of it on constituents’ welfare. “This is bad