kaukusy

Kaukusy are formal or semi-formal meetings of members within a political party or legislative group to discuss strategy, policy, or candidate selection. The term is used in Estonian-language contexts and corresponds to the English word caucuses.

In party organization, caucuses are local or regional gatherings where participants choose delegates to higher‑level conventions, debate platform positions, and affirm party leadership. In legislatures, parliamentary caucuses are groups of lawmakers from the same party who coordinate votes, set policy priorities, and organize committee work. Procedures and rules vary between organizations and countries.

Procedures commonly include discussion, alignment with preferred candidates or positions, and voting, which may be open, secret, or conducted by delegate selection. Caucuses can influence which candidates advance to primaries or national conventions, and they often determine internal leadership and strategic priorities for the party.

Caucuses differ from primaries in that they are collective, in-person processes that unfold over several hours or sessions, whereas primaries are individual elections held at polling places. The specific format and eligibility rules depend on the party and jurisdiction involved.

Criticism and reform efforts focus on participation and transparency: caucuses can privilege more organized or long‑time members and may exclude casual voters. Some political systems have moved toward or supplemented caucus procedures with primaries or alternative formats to broaden participation while preserving internal party coordination.

See also: caucus.