Kandydatura

Kandydatura is a Polish term referring to the act and status of entering a person as a candidate in an election or for a position. In electoral contexts, kandydatura denotes the formal registration of a candidate with the competent electoral authority, after which the person appears on official candidate lists or on ballots. The concept is used in various elections in Poland, including parliamentary, local government, and presidential contests, as well as in certain organizational nominations.

Who can become a kandydat? The qualification depends on the jurisdiction and the election type, but it generally includes meeting eligibility criteria such as minimum age, citizenship, and residence, and not being legally barred from standing. Candidates may be proposed by political parties or coalitions, or run as independents. In many systems, a candidate or party must submit required documents, declarations, and, in some cases, endorsements or signatures to the electoral authority by a specified deadline. The authority then verifies the materials and, if all requirements are satisfied, registers the kandydatura, allowing the candidate to appear on the ballot. Withdrawal of a kandydatura is often possible, and registrations can be rejected for procedural or substantive reasons.

Apart from elections, kandydatura can also refer to nominations within organizations or committees, indicating that a person is proposed for an office, appointment, prize, or other position. The term thus covers both formal electoral entry and broader nomination processes.