Its out @JPolEcon Bidwell, Casey & Glennerster on the impact of debates on politician behavior! Thanks to @SFCG_, @poverty_action but mainly the politicians and parties of #SierraLeone who embraced new ways of reaching voters. Early ungated v here 1/5
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/publication-pdf/bidwell_casey_glennerster_july2019.pdf

thanks also to funding and much more from @IGC_SierraLeone & @JPAL. Here is the abstract. 2/5

And here is the research design. (3/5)

You can watch one of the debates at the link below. I recommend it--passionate and informative. Much more about issues and policy than typical election campaigning.
https://www.povertyactionlab.org/evaluation/debates-impact-voter-knowledge-initiatives-sierra-leone
This pages also has a summary of results. (4/5)

And to preempt criticism. Yes we got ethical approval & politicians knew exactly what they were signing up for. It was implemented at scale by a highly respected media source in #SierraLeone, @SFCG_ Communities gave their permission for debates & informed consent gained. (5/5)