Journal of Electoral Studies

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Home Issues Backissues Volume 31, No.1 The Electoral Rules of People Associations in Taiwan: Single Vote, Block Vote and Limited Vote

The Electoral Rules of People Associations in Taiwan: Single Vote, Block Vote and Limited Vote

Hsin-Yen Chiang, Tzu-Ling Chuang, and Yeh-Lih Wang
2006 / 05
Volume 13, No.1

pp.1-42
10.6612/tjes.2006.13.01.01-42

Abstract

Three electoral rules are widely employed in Taiwan: (1) plurality (for the presidential- and mayoral-elections, etc.), (2) SNTV (for the legislator and city councilor elections, etc.) and (3) block/limited vote (for all kinds of people associations' elections, including political parties). There have been plenty of researches studied on the plurality, SNTV and their political consequences in recently years, yet block/limited vote has attracted little attention from academic community. The goal of this study, therefore, is to explore the electoral rules of people associations and its impacts on faction politics and competition patterns. Moreover, this study attempts to investigate the theoretical base of block/limited vote as well as to collect first-hand data by in-depth interviews with many social groups. As a pioneer study, this paper attempts to open the door of the ”secret garden” of people associations' elections in Taiwan. This study shows that the different electoral rules used in different groups will result in totally distinctive environments. Single vote produces a competitive situation based on candidate's capability and influence; block vote leads to an atmosphere of unity; while limited vote tends toward a climate of negotiation and cooperation.

Keywords

people associations

electoral rules

single vote

block vote

limited vote