Ledareval

Ledareval is a term used to describe the process by which a leader of an organization, party, or association is elected. The term combines ledare (leader) and val (election) and is used in Swedish language contexts to refer to internal leadership elections. The purpose is to determine who will hold the top executive position, such as chairperson, president, or general secretary, and to confer legitimacy through a formal voting process.

Typically, the process includes nomination, campaign, voting, and certification. Nominations may be open to self-nomination or proposed by a nominating committee, with eligibility criteria such as member status, length of membership, and compliance with party rules. Voting can be conducted by full members or delegates, and methods vary: simple plurality, majority vote, run-off, or ranked-choice systems. Some organizations use a two-stage process with an initial convention or primary followed by a final vote.

Procedural safeguards are common, including an independent election committee, secret ballots, transparency of results, and a mechanism for appeals or objections. Term lengths and limits vary; some positions are renewable for fixed terms, others have time-bound restrictions.

Ledareval occurs in political parties, labor unions, student bodies, and other associations. Variations reflect organizational rules and legal frameworks in different jurisdictions. Critics may argue about inclusivity, transparency, and the influence of long-standing leadership; defenders emphasize internal democracy and member accountability.

See also: leadership election, internal party democracy, election integrity.