Electoral Results: Can Entropy be a Measure of the Population Dissatisfaction?


  •  Paulo Ferreira    
  •  Andreia Dionísio    

Abstract

This paper intends to explore the utilization of entropy through politics and election results, a slightly explored
area. It generalizes the interpretation of entropy, considering it a measure of dissatisfaction and disillusion of
populations in what concerns to politics. We can detect and analyze some phenomena, such as the increase of
abstention in a country, a consequence of the dissatisfaction of the population and their alienation related to
politics. New political parties can emerge due to the discontentment of the populations, leading to a larger
division of votes and to the increase of the entropy (as a result of the discontentment and uncertainty of the
electors). Absolute majorities imply less dispersion of votes and are a synonym of a higher confidence in a
particular party, reducing entropy. Electoral results can also be influenced by particular phenomena, such as the
terrorist attacks on the eve of the two last elections in Spain. These attacks had a great influence on the affluence
to the polls, as well as on the levels of entropy.



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