Abrupt and Gradual Realignments: The Case of Costa Rica, 1958–2018. Issue 1 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perelló, Lucas; Navia, Patricio
• Is Part Of: Journal of politics in Latin America. Volume 13:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Costa Rica -- Latin America -- dealignment -- realignment -- party system; Costa Rica -- América Latina -- desalineamiento -- realineamiento -- sistema de partidos; Comparative government -- Periodicals; Latin America -- Politics and government -- 1980- -- Periodicals; Politics and government; Latin America; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 320.3098
• DOI: 10.1177/1866802X20967733
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1866-802X

Abstract

Studies on party system change in Latin America commonly label similar processes as constituting dealignment or realignment. To clarify the boundaries between both concepts, we distinguish between abrupt and gradual realignments. While both imply change, they differ in the number of election cycles involved. Abrupt realignments occur in a single election cycle, while gradual realignments take place in two or more. We apply this conceptualisation to Costa Rica, Latin America's longest-running democracy, and a country where the party system has decayed without collapsing. To better identify the type of change that has taken place, we use canton-level election data from 1958 to 2018 and public opinion surveys from 1978 to 2018. The evidence contests the notion of electoral dealignment. Instead, we show that the party system experienced an abrupt realignment in the 2002 election and gradual realignment in more recent election cycles.