Candidate selection and the illusion of grass-roots democracy

Abstract

This chapter explains the recruitment and selection of candidates. The internal operating structures of parties are at their own discretion. The general pattern is that grass-roots members vote in constituency level conventions, but the party leaderships tend to prescribe the number to be selected, and may add to the ticket. Political experience is normally a requirement for selection, and incumbents are almost invariably re-selected. Gender quota legislation requiring each party to ensure at least 30 per cent of its candidates were women if they were to benefit fully from public funding was a novel complication that justified further central party interventions.