The strategic effect of the plurality vote at the district level

摘要: The plurality vote (first-past-the-post) is one of the most restrictive electoral systems used for parliamentary elections. Empirically, its deterring effect on small political parties has been widely studied at national level, while theoretical arguments highlight strategic district level. This paper argues that effect, reducing votes expressed minor in systems, uneven across districts. strongest expected very competitive constituencies, where two candidates are close competition with each other. estimates empirically, based results from six democracies using vote. methodology proposed this allows me to separate sociological or geographical factors affecting party support. Results show due lose some 15% their