This research examines how voters categorize political parties along a left-right spectrum influences their perception of those parties' ideologies. Using a national survey dataset collected in 2023 across multiple regions, the study investigates whether individuals' placement of parties affects their understanding and evaluation of party stances.

## Data & Methods

* A representative sample survey covering urban and rural demographics nationwide was utilized.

* Collected data between January and April 2023 to capture post-election sentiment.

* Survey included questions probing respondents' ideological placement perceptions alongside explicit ideology ratings for major parties.

## Key Findings:

The study reveals a significant disconnect exists between voters' left-right categorizations of political parties and their actual assessments of those parties' ideologies. Specifically, it finds that once parties are labeled on the traditional spectrum, voters tend to anchor their subsequent ideological perceptions around these labels rather than evaluating specific policy positions.

## Why It Matters:

This suggests ideological framing plays a powerful role in shaping political opinions and potentially distorts informed voting behavior by influencing how citizens understand party goals. The findings have implications for understanding the dynamics of mass political ideology.