Platform stickiness in a spatial voting model∗

The spatial voting approach is extended to account for the existence of a loyalty effect driving the choice of parties ' platforms during elections. There emerges a non-linear relationship between these variable, whereby a party sticking to its historical heritage may lose to a rival more keen to approach the position of the median voter, whose pivotal role is also investigated. I thank Jordi Massò, an anonymous referee and Davide Dragone for precious comments. The usual disclaimer applies