Equilibria with Unrestricted Entry in Multi Member District Plurality (SNTV) Elections

Abstract

Extending Duverger's Law to electoral districts of arbitrary district magnitude would imply just one "extra" candidate running in each race. In this paper we analyze equilibrium properties (possible equilibrium configuration and then existence) of a plurality electoral system returning more than one legislator per district. We look at sincere Downsian voters and strategically behaving candidates (who can change their policy platforms at no cost, while new candidates can enter the race). In Part II we find empirical evidence in favor of the implications of this analysis in the performance of actual SNTV electoral systems, such as the one in Japan and Taiwan.

Additional Information

I would like to thank Peter Ordeshook, Rod Kiewiet and Elizabeth Gerber for their help and suggestions. I have also benefited from discussions with John Campbell, Matthew Shugart, and Skip Lupia. I also wish to thank Gary Cox and Emerson Niou for access to their data. Remaining errors are my own.

Attached Files

Submitted - sswp880.pdf

Files

Additional details