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Suggesting an alternative electoral proportional system. Blank votes count

Author

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  • Orestis Troumpounis

    (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona)

Abstract

I consider a two-party parliamentary election where parties compete on a quality (or valence) dimension. First I motivate why in such an election a voter may decide to cast a blank vote. Second I define a new voting system, inspired in the standard proportional representation system, where the percentage of blank votes is translated into vacant seats in the parliament. I analyze party competition assuming adapted versions of the models of “Bertand” and “Cournot”. I compare the equilibrium outcomes on parties’ quality and profits obtained with both the alternative proportional system and the standard one. I show that society and parties may have interests in conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Orestis Troumpounis, 2009. "Suggesting an alternative electoral proportional system. Blank votes count," Working Papers 2009/30, Institut d'Economia de Barcelona (IEB).
    • Handle: RePEc:ieb:wpaper:doc2009-30
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    7. Riker, William H. & Ordeshook, Peter C., 1968. "A Theory of the Calculus of Voting," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 62(1), pages 25-42, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    electoral systems; blank voting; proportional representation systems; endogenous valence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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