The effects of majority requirements, selectorate composition and uncertainty in indirect presidential elections

The case of Estonia

Bibliographic Data

ID6255165
AuthorsPhilipp Köker (0000-0003-2529-6947, Leibniz University Hannover, corresponding author)
Year2019
Volume35
Issue2
Pages238-258
Publication date2019-04-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueEast European Politics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2159-9165 • E-ISSN: 2159-9173
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/21599165.2019.1604339
OpenAlexW2937449297
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited34

This article assesses the effects of common features in the indirect election of presidents in parliamentary republics. In particular, it examines the influence of majority requirements, selectorate composition and uncertainty on party strategies, using Estonia (1996-2016) as a crucial case for analysis. The analysis demonstrates that the lack of a plurality run-off effectively eliminated incentives for inter-party cooperation and strategic voting. It furthermore shows that shifts in the partisan composition and control of the selectorate from parliament to electoral college provided considerable opportunities for agenda manipulation. Subsequently, results only rarely reflected the parliamentary balance of power. Last, although overall indicators suggest greater congruence between parliament and electoral college over time, this proliferated rather than reduced parties’ uncertainty over the electoral outcome as non-parliamentary electors voted based on local interests and acted independently from national party leaders

Composition (language · Linguistics · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Presidential system · Sociology · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · European Union Policy and Governance · Law · Philosophy · Political Influence and Corporate Strategies

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