Nonlinear Relationship Between Political Competition and Economic Growth in Iran Using Dynamic Growth Model Approach

In the literature of political macroeconomics stresses role of political competition in the economic performance of countries; Political competition can influence economic growth by affecting resources allocation and quality of economic policies. This paper examines the effect of political competition on economic performance in Iran in the framework of a dynamic growth model by Heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation consistent estimators (HAC) method over the period 1364 to 1397. In this regard, we use the degree of alignment of government and parliament, power balance, power distribution, political and economic freedom and a composite index as the determinants of political competition. The results of estimates confirm the hypothesis of non-linear effect of political competition on economic growth in the Iranian economy as U-shape relationship such as at first the higher levels of political completion tend to be associated to smaller real GDP per capita, but after the optimal value (minimum political competition), production will increase. In this step, the actors of political system, by accepting the rules of political competition and avoiding factional policies focuses policies, focus policies that promote economic growth. This situation, which is known as the learning of political competition, enjoys society the benefits of competition political parties. The findings of this research supports the importance of political competition as one of the sources of economic growth.