Party Identifi cation and Voting: Regional Elections in Andalusia (2004-2008)

Abstract

This article analyses party loyalties in the Andalusian regional elections
of 2004 and 2008. Our results show that party identifi cation is the main
factor explaining the vote in Andalusia, particularly in the case of the
socialist vote. In this regard, party loyalties among the Andalusian electorate
not only induce voters to vote for a particular party, but also act
as a perceptual screen. Consequently, party loyalties reduce political
differences with the reference group and increase ideological differences
with other political groups.