Journal Articles

Party Non-Systems: A Conceptual Innovation

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This article makes a case for expansion of the conceptual framework for the classification of party universe types. In particular, it introduces the concept of `party non-systems', defined as those party universes characterized by a fundamental absence of inter-temporal continuity in the identity of the main parties. At the heart of this concept is the explicit differentiation between intra- and extra-systemic volatility. Party non-systems are characterized by persistently high transfers of votes away from the main parties towards new and small parties (i.e. high extra-systemic volatility), an ever-changing constellation of parties without a stable `core'. It is argued that the difference between non-systems and all other party universe types is not only one of degree (in level of institutionalization), but also one of kind. This conceptual innovation is then applied to a number of Latin American cases (Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia) at the low end of the institutionalization continuum to highlight important cross-country and inter-temporal differences in the nature of (core) party competition.

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Detail Information

Series Title

Party Politics

Call Number

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Publisher

United States : Sage Publication., 2009

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

1354-0688

Classification

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Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

Volume 15, Number 4, July 2009. pp. 487-520

Subject(s)

Latin America
Electoral volatility
institutionalization
Party System
PARTY NON-SYSTEMS

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