nomination

Nomination is the act of proposing someone or something for a position, office, award, or other honor. It designates an individual or item as a candidate to be considered in a subsequent selection or decision process. Nominations can be made by individuals, committees, organizations, or voters, and may require consent from the nominee and adherence to eligibility rules.

Political nomination: In democratic systems, parties or electorates nominate candidates to stand in elections. Nomination often marks the transition from informal support to formal designation. Methods include primary elections, caucuses, party conventions, or internal committee approvals. The nominated candidate is usually the official candidate of a party, subject to further rules and nominating bodies. In some countries, nominations may occur at the national level (for presidential elections) or at subnational levels.

Non-political nominations: For awards and honors, nominations identify eligible candidates or works for consideration by juries or committees. Procedures vary: some awards accept open nominations; others rely on editorial input or panels to select nominees. Finalists may be chosen before a winner is announced. In organizations, nominations to boards, offices, or committees follow governance rules and may require endorsement, disclosures, or public notices.

Process and effects: Nomination processes establish legitimacy, eligibility, and transparency; they do not guarantee selection. Nominees may be required to provide consent, disclose conflicts, or meet criteria. Disputes can arise over who may nominate or how nominees are evaluated.