Social choice models : the Maltese experience post independence

Abstract

This study has two objectives: firstly, to determine whether the Median Voter Theorem, as proposed by Hotelling (1929) and Downs (1957), is relevant to the changing nature of Maltese politics, and secondly, to assess Riker's theory (1962) regarding the convergence from a multiparty system towards two main political blocs. The first objective seeks to establish whether political parties in Malta have moved away from the extreme positions towards the center of the political spectrum, i.e. whether there has been a convergence of ideas, ideologies and power of the political parties in Malta. The second objective tests whether there is room for third parties in Maltese politics. In an attempt to answer some of the questions raised by this paper the ideologies of the Maltese political parties are scrutinised to determine the nature of the changes that have occurred. This scrutinisation process begins with a very brief history of policy prescriptions spelled out by the political parties in their manifestos since the 60's. Chapter one reviews what the different political parties have stated in their political manifestos during the last thirty odd years as well as the results which these thoughts and ideas have yielded in terms of political power. Chapter 2 reviews the theoretical background of the ideologies being tested: the Median Voter Theorem (Hotelling & Downs). and Riker's theory of convergence from a multiparty system to one where two big blocs emerge. The analysis stage of this paper is considered in Chapter 3 where the political parties themselves attempt to answer some of the questions being asked by this paper. An evaluation of the situation and the applicability of the theories being tested concludes this paper.