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Valence, abstention, and electoral competition

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  • David T Yi

    (Xavier University)

Abstract

We present a simple two-candidate electoral competition model in which one candidate has a valence advantage and voters have option to abstain. We show that complete policy convergence and complete policy divergence as well as partial policy divergence arise as pure strategy Nash equilibria when certain conditions between valence advantage and abstention rates are satisfied. These results highlight the importance of understanding the interactions between the valence advantage and voter abstention in understanding candidates strategic behavior in electoral competition.

Suggested Citation

  • David T Yi, 2025. "Valence, abstention, and electoral competition," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 45(1), pages 434-445.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-25-00038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Electoral Competition; Valence Advantage; Abstention Rate; Policy Divergence; Policy Convergence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D7 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making
    • C7 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory

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