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Punching above One's Weight: The Case against Election Campaigns

Author

Listed:
  • Marco A. Haan

    (University of Groningen)

  • Bart Los

    (University of Groningen)

  • Sander Onderstal

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Yohanes E. Riyanto

    (Nanyang Technological University Singapore)

Abstract

Politicians differ in their ability to implement some policy. In an election, candidates make commitments regarding the plans they will try to implement if elected. These serve as a signal of true ability. In equilibrium, candidates make overambitious promises. The candidate with the highest ability wins. Yet, the electorate may be better off having a random candidate implement her best plan, rather than seeing the winner implementing an overambitious plan. This is more likely if the ability distribution is skewed toward high values, the number of candidates is high, with private benefits from being elected, or if parties select candidates.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco A. Haan & Bart Los & Sander Onderstal & Yohanes E. Riyanto, 2010. "Punching above One's Weight: The Case against Election Campaigns," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 10-056/1, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20100056
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    election promises; signalling;

    JEL classification:

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

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