Competence and Ambiguity in Electoral Competition
28 Pages Posted: 16 Feb 2013 Last revised: 23 Mar 2014
Date Written: December 5, 2012
Abstract
The level of competence that voters attribute to different candidates is an important determinant of election results. In addition, it is observed that some candidates tend to be more ambiguous in their campaigns regarding future plans, while others commit to specific policies. We offer a model where politicians who vary in their level of competence compete by making costly campaign declarations. We show that a separating equilibrium exists in which the ambiguity of a candidate's campaign declaration reveals her level of competence. The model explains how politicians may use an “issue”-based campaign to create a competent image, and provides an additional explanation for different levels of campaign ambiguity.
Keywords: electoral competition, competence, ambiguity, commitment
JEL Classification: D72, D82
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation