Bidding for left-wing votes, the government drafted the much awaited land reform at its own convenience.

Cantona would likely siphon off more left-wing votes, further denting Hollande's chances.

Because no matter how far to the left the 'main-stream' candidates are, they cannot lay claim to the left-wing votes if there is a far-left candidate.

The left-wing vote appeared to be close to winning a majority.

Realising that the cost of a split in the left-wing vote was a continued National government, the two parties agreed to form a coalition for the 1999 elections.

At the general election in October 1931, the left-wing vote was again split.

The fragmented left-wing vote was one of the factors behind Mr. Jospin's unexpected defeat in April.

The problem was that the left-wing vote was split between seven different candidates.

He said that the sum of Brazil's left-wing votes in the election was greater than the sum of the right-wing votes.

Because of Thälmann's participation the left-wing vote was split, giving an advantage to Hindenburg.