Articles

Het primacy-effect in proportionele systemen gewikt en gewogen : De casus van de Antwerpse districtsverkiezingen 2012

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Abstract

Previous research shows that the position on the ballot list strongly influences the electoral success of candidates. However, the underlying mechanisms of this effect remain unclear. The list position can have a direct influence through a so-called primacy effect, parties may anticipate on the success of candidates, or the effect can be mediated by factors such as media attention and campaign intensity. Using data from the Antwerp district elections in 2012, this paper disentangles these mechanisms. Our study confirms the direct bal lot list position effect, providing evidence for the existence of a primacy effect. However, we find that part of the bal lot list position effect is mediated by edia attention, especially for the first candidate on the list. Campaign intensity also influences the electoral success of candidates, but does not mediate the list position effect. Finally, we find no evidence that parties successfully anticipate on the electoral success of candidates.

How to Cite:

van Erkel, P. & Thijssen, P., (2015) “Het primacy-effect in proportionele systemen gewikt en gewogen : De casus van de Antwerpse districtsverkiezingen 2012”, Res Publica 57(1), 11-31.