A name classification method using the I Ching name configurations for Taiwan local elections

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to apply the methodology of the I Ching divination to examine whether names of government leaders and parliamentary representatives exist in particular configurations. Using samples from the elections held for municipal mayors and councillors in six Taiwanese municipalities in 2014, this model revealed a consistent and specific configuration of the names of candidates, incumbents, and the elected government leaders and parliamentary representatives. It was found that the majority of them fell into configuration type A1, F1, and D1. Moreover, similar results were found when input data from elections of county magistrates and councillors of the same year were considered, confirming that the names of government leaders and parliamentary representatives respect particular configurations, and that specific configurations of the names of candidates and the incumbents are correlated to the number of elected members. Configurations of names, therefore, may be employed as a tool to predict election results. The findings of this study can be applied to prediction methods used in elections and election management.