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Voter disengagement and dissatisfaction under Japan’s mixed electoral system

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  • Ko Maeda

    (University of North Texas)

Abstract

Although Japan’s mixed electoral system, introduced in 1994, was intended to foster robust competition between two major parties, small parties have survived by allying with larger parties and coordinating candidate nominations in electoral districts. As a result, districts across the country feature varying lineups of parties, forcing many voters whose preferred parties do not run candidates in their districts to make unpleasant choices in elections. My empirical analysis of aggregate and survey data strongly suggests that these voters are more likely than others to fully or partially abstain from voting and to feel dissatisfied with politics.

Suggested Citation

  • Ko Maeda, 2025. "Voter disengagement and dissatisfaction under Japan’s mixed electoral system," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 204(1), pages 31-50, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:204:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11127-025-01293-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-025-01293-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Federico Ferrara & Erik S. Herron, 2005. "Going It Alone? Strategic Entry under Mixed Electoral Rules," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 49(1), pages 16-31, January.
    2. Golder, Sona Nadenichek, 2006. "Pre-Electoral Coalition Formation in Parliamentary Democracies," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 36(2), pages 193-212, April.
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