A generalized Hotelling–Downs model with asymmetric candidates

Abstract We investigate an extension of the Hotelling–Downs model to case where preferences voters do not have be single peaked. In candidates only care about winning or losing, assuming that a voter elects each candidate symmetrically with equal probability when indifferent, previous works by Fisher and Ryan Laffond, Laslier, Le Breton shown equilibrium outcome is unique. Uniqueness also holds in strength their majority. Our paper shows furthermore unique for small asymmetries voter's behavior but necessarily large ones. particular, if always vote incumbent rather than newcomer policy may fail Moreover, we provide further sufficient condition uniqueness. Namely, suppose all given same indifferent. Then, there Nash completely mixed strategies between candidates, it equilibrium.