Consolidation
Uniting a fragmented base of potential supporters behind one candidate.
Short answer
What is Consolidation?
Consolidation is the process of bringing a dispersed set of potential supporters — across communities, factions or issue groups — behind a single candidate, particularly important in multi-cornered contests.
Definition
Consolidation is the process of bringing a dispersed set of potential supporters — across communities, factions or issue groups — behind a single candidate, particularly important in multi-cornered contests.
Why It Matters
In a three-cornered contest, consolidating your own coalition usually beats attacking either opponent, because attacks frequently transfer votes to the third contestant rather than to you.
Example in Indian Elections
Scenario modelling establishes the consolidation threshold required to win under various split assumptions, which tells the campaign whether consolidation alone is sufficient or whether persuasion is also required.
Related Terms
- Anti-IncumbencyVoter sentiment against a sitting representative or government seeking re-election.
- Incumbency AdvantageBenefits accruing to a sitting representative — recognition, resources, access.
- Swing VoterA voter whose choice is genuinely undecided and can be moved by campaigning.
- Vote BankA bloc of voters expected to vote together, usually along community or interest lines.
- Margin PathThe arithmetic route to the number of votes required to win.
- Booth CommitteeA local team responsible for campaign activity at a single polling booth.