Suchergebnisse

Applying insights from social-choice theory to illuminate the functioning of pluralitarian Westminster institutions, this article develops a coherent political answer to four puzzling questions about the economic liberalization that transformed New Zealand in 1984-93: why an anti-statist programme was initiated (and largely accomplished) by a labour party, why restructuring was more radical in New Zealand than in other democracies, why reformers were able to prevail through two elections and a change of government, and why they committed costly policy-sequencing errors. Understanding this remarkable case has implications for empirically grounded social-choice theory, the political theory of policy reform, and the evaluation of pluralitarian democracy - which New Zealanders themselves repudiated in 1993 by adopting proportional representation. (British Journal of Political Science / FUB)

SEVERAL LEADING PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS HAVE RECENTLY DECIDED TO USE APPROVAL VOTING (AV). THE LARGEST OF THEM, THE INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS, INC. (IEEE), WITH MORE THAN 300,000 MEMBERS ADOPTED AV IN RESPONSE TO PRACTICAL POLITICAL PROBLEMS WITH CONVENTIONAL PLURALITY ELECTIONS OF PRECISELY THE SORT THAT AV WAS DESIGNED TO SOLVE. THIS PAPER ANALYZES RESULTS OF THE FIRST THREE MULTICANDIDATE ELECTIONS CONDUCTED BY THE IEEE USING THE NEW SYSTEM. ISSUES EXAMINED INCLUDED PARTICIPATION RATES, USE OF MULTIPLE VOTES, PATTERNS OF SHARED SUPPORT, MAJORITY RULE, AV-DOMINANCE, EFFECTS ON OUTCOMES, AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF CANDIDATE ENTRY. IN GENERAL, AV APPEARS TO HAVE HAD A SUCCESSFUL TEST.

Epidemiological data have rarely been generated during United Nations (UN) missions to Third World countries, even in situations where there is hardly any combat involvement. Continuous surveillance was therefore carried out during the 12-month stay of UN personnel in Namibia in 1989-90. In this population of 7114 persons, mostly young men, the mortality rate was 255 per 100,000; death was mainly due to traffic accidents. Hospitalization was chiefly because of fever of unknown origin or trauma. Repatriation to the country of origin was necessary in 46 patients, frequently for psychiatric reasons including alcoholism. Over this one-year period there were, on average, 2.7 new consultations per person for treatment (mostly for dental problems), and 0.8 per person for prophylactic measures. The extremely high mortality due to traffic accidents indicates a need for prevention. In the selection process for future missions, more emphasis should be given to the psychological and dental health of volunteers. All military contingents and civilian groups should learn about effective preventive measures prior to their arrival, and adhere to them.