The Effect of the Electoral Law: People and Parties

This study investigates in depth the attitudes and the feelings of individuals towards parliamentary elections law using a multivariate method combining Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, Factorial Correspondence Analysis and Conjoint Analysis. The analysis is based on the use of a sample of Greek citizens from whom data was collected using an electronic questionnaire in two waves in the period March-July 2023. The findings of the analysis reveal important correspondences between political behavior profiles and the way one behaves according the electoral law. This specific research presented, attempts to investigate thoroughly on a multiple level of analysis for various social, psychological and political aspects of the citizens’ attitudes towards electoral system, providing a methodological context for future analysis. More specifically, to analyze the data, conjoint analysis is used, which is based on a scenario questionnaire (Hauser and Rao, 2004), in order to analyze their attitude towards : a) parties, b) candidates, c) issues and finally e) compliance with the electoral system. Conjoint analysis, through experimental design, manages to highlight the factors and their contribution level in the in the formation of attitudes towards the elections. Moreover, the method is used to further analyze the individuals through their correlation with each factor. For the recent elections (Spring 2023), a proportional election system is introduced. The lack of solid consensus culture, however, will led to problems of governability and plans to resolve the issue a new electoral law (mixed- pr) will apply for the next parliamentary elections planed in a short period (Summer 2023). We try to discuss the effect of the electoral law on the voter [constraining or un-constraining] and the effect on the party system [reductive or non-reductive].