caciquism
/kəˈsikɪzəm/
noun
- A system of political control by local bosses or caciques, especially in Spain and Latin America, characterized by patronage and corruption.
- The historian wrote a book about caciquism in 19th-century rural Spain.
- Caciquism often prevented fair elections because local bosses controlled the votes.
- Many reformers tried to end caciquism by introducing secret ballots and independent courts.