The Hidden Cost of Political Participation: Evidence from a Gender-Inclusive Study in The Gambia

Abstract

In emerging democracies, the issue of cost of political participation has become one of the most important but least researched impediments to democratic inclusion. This paper examines the concealed financial, institutional, and social expenses of political participation in The Gambia, especially on both gendered and structural inequalities. Based on a nationally representative survey sample, and backed up by qualitative data on focus group discussions and key informant interviews, the research gives the most detailed analysis of both formal and informal campaign expenditures and both formal and informal political obligations.

The empirical results confirm that the cost of politics is multidimensional and does not only limit itself to the traditional campaign costs but covers socially embedded financial costs like sponsoring community events, which in most cases are politically imposed. The findings also indicate that the political involvement is not heavily supported by political parties or formal financial frameworks, and largely self-financed further supporting inequalities in access to political office. Notably, the analysis establishes that these forms of cost structures cannot be considered neutral to gender. The barriers to women are disproportionately more on account of the lack of access to financial resources, weaker political networks, and other socio-cultural constraints such as harassment and biased institutional practices.

The study advances the literature on political finance and other related participation by combining financial, institutional, and social-cultural aspects, which shows that the cost of politics is a structural process of exclusion. The policy implications of the findings are considerable and very important as the formal campaign finance systems and informal political practices should be addressed by means of wholesale reforms. Specialized accommodations of the underrepresented populations especially women, youth and individuals with disabilities are crucial in encouraging inclusive political engagement.

Overall, the study contributes new empirical evidence from The Gambia and offers broader insights into the political economy of participation in developing countries, with implications for strengthening democratic accountability and representation.

Keywords:  Cost of politics; Political participation; Campaign finance; Gender inequality; Informal institutions; Democratic inclusion;