Voters' dissatisfaction, abstention and entropy: analysis in European countries

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Voters' dissatisfaction, abstention and entropy: analysis in European countries

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Paulo Ferreira () (Universidade de Evora, CEFAGE-UE)
Andreia Dionisio () (Universidade de Evora, CEFAGE-UE)

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Abstract

This paper intends to explore the utilization of entropy through politics and election results, an area just slightly explored. It generalizes the interpretation of entropy, considering it a measure of dissatisfaction and disillusion of populations in relation to politics. Some phenomena like the increase of abstention in a country, consequence of the dissatisfaction of population and of their alienation in relation to politics could be detected and analysed. This discontentment could result, for example, in the appearance of new political parties, with more division of votes and increasing entropy (result of the discontentment and uncertainty by electors). Absolute majorities, while imply less dispersion of votes, are synonym of more confidence in a given party, making a reduction of entropy.

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Paper provided by University of Evora, CEFAGE-UE (Portugal) in its series CEFAGE-UE Working Papers with number 2008_11.

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Length: 9 pages
Date of creation: 2008
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Handle: RePEc:cfe:wpcefa:2008_11

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
C19 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: General - - - Other
D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Models of Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:

NEP-ALL-2008-10-13 (All new papers)
NEP-CDM-2008-10-13 (Collective Decision-Making)
NEP-HAP-2008-10-13 (Economics of Happiness)
NEP-POL-2008-10-13 (Positive Political Economics)

References listed on IDEAS
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Paldam, Martin & Skott, Peter, 1995. " A Rational-Voter Explanation of the Cost of Ruling," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 83(1-2), pages 159-72, April.
Timothy J. Fedderson & Wolfgang Pesendorfer, 1996. "Abstention in Elections with Asymmetric Information and Diverse Preferences," Discussion Papers 1195, Northwestern University, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science. [Downloadable!]

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