Primary Effect in Open-List Elections
Meriläinen, Jaakko; Tukiainen, Janne (2016-09-07)
Meriläinen, Jaakko
Tukiainen, Janne
Valtion taloudellinen tutkimuskeskus VATT
07.09.2016
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2018042618933
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2018042618933
Tiivistelmä
We study how political parties select political leaders. Using regression discontinuity design and data from Finnish local elections, we find that parties use vote ranks to decide upon promotions. Moreover, we show that this primary effect is higher when competition either between or within parties is lower. We document differences in promotion patterns between parties, the primary effect being stronger in right-wing parties. This result is in line with previous research arguing that right-wing parties prefer more inclusive nomination procedures. Finally, our descriptive analysis suggests that parties weight previous political experience and candidates' policy positions in their promotion decisions more than voters value these characteristics.
Tutkimusteema
Local public economics, Kunnallistalous, Effectiveness of public services, Julkisten palvelujen vaikuttavuus
JEL
C210 - Econometric Methods: Single Equation Models; Single Variables: Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models, D720 - Economic Models of Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
Avainsanat
Political promotions, Preference votes, Primary effect, Regression discontinuity design
Kokoelmat
- VATT Working Papers [164]