Preferential Voting Systems. Effects on Intra-Party Competition and Voting Behavior

Abstract

This article examines the effects of preferential voting on intraparty electoral competition and voting behavior. Using data covering 19 countries and over 200 elections, this study sheds light on a somewhat neglected aspect of electoral systems. The author demonstrates that the ability of voters to influence the selection and deselection of MPs under preferential voting systems is not as important as is often assumed. Instead, their ability to shape the election of a given candidate depends heavily on the balance between party power and voter power. In this way, this work advances the understanding of the effect of preferential voting on intra-party dynamics, parliamentary turnover, and voter behavior.