The correlates and consequences of anti-partyism in the 1997 Canadian election

This article examines why anti-party rhetoric resonates with some citizens, but trot with others, and how this affects their electoral behaviour. The data are taken from the 1997 Canadian Election Study. Social background characteristics turn out to have only a very modest effect on anti-party sentiment. Political sophistication is associated with a less critical view of political parties, while economic frustration and perceived system deficiencies make for more negative attitudes, but the key factor is issue alienation from the incumbent party. This is also the most important factor in influencing how citizens express their anti-party sentiment. Anti-partyism is more likely to result in an 'anti-party' vote than in abstention. Those who are more involved and more informed are especially likely to work for change within the system.