What is the incumbency effect in relation to ethnic minority representation?

The incumbency effect refers to the advantages that current officeholders have when seeking re-election, making it easier for them to remain in power. Incumbents often benefit from greater visibility, established networks, access to resources, and voter recognition. In the context of ethnic minority representation, this effect can contribute to a lack of diversity in political offices because established politicians, who may not belong to ethnic minority groups, can leverage these advantages to maintain their positions, potentially sidelining newcomers and diverse candidates.

The impact of the incumbency effect means that as current members of the political system continue to win elections, the opportunities for new candidates, especially from underrepresented groups, can become more limited. This reinforces existing power structures and could hinder efforts to enhance ethnic minority representation within a country's political framework.