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On the Polarization Premium for radical parties in PR electoral systems

Author

Listed:
  • Anna-Sophie Kurella

    (University of Mannheim, Germany)

  • Salvatore Barbaro

    (Johannes-Gutenberg University, Germany)

Abstract

Western democracies are grappling with escalating political polarization. While scholars have explored various societal and economic factors contributing to this phenomenon, the influence of the electoral system has received limited attention. In this paper, we argue that the use of the proportional representation system (PR), a common electoral approach, contributes to the rise in polarization. PR systems prioritize voters’ top preferences, allowing candidates to increase their electoral support even as the proportion of citizens strongly opposed to them grows. We formally demonstrate that PR systems incentivize candidates and parties to adopt extreme positions, a trend discouraged under the Borda count system. Using the Borda count as a benchmark, our empirical analyses with data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES) confirm that polarizing candidates, often positioned at ideological extremes, benefit under PR voting rules. Our study reveals an additional asymmetric effect of PR systems, which disproportionately favors right-leaning polarizing candidates. This phenomenon is attributed to the more pronounced disagreement that far-right ideology provokes among moderate and left-leaning citizens compared to radical left ideologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna-Sophie Kurella & Salvatore Barbaro, 2024. "On the Polarization Premium for radical parties in PR electoral systems," Working Papers 2410, Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
    • Handle: RePEc:jgu:wpaper:2410
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Elections; Voting Schemes; Political Polarization; Proportional Representation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations

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