preselections

Preselections, or preselection processes, are screening and nomination steps used by political parties and some organizations to identify a limited slate of candidates who will advance to the formal nomination process or to the general election. The goal is to ensure candidates meet party criteria, align with policy positions, and manage resources by focusing attention on a manageable number of hopefuls.

Mechanisms vary widely. Some parties conduct internal ballots, endorsement conventions, or screening committees to evaluate eligibility, experience, and ideological fit. Others use interviews, past performance, or vetting by party officials. In some electoral systems preselections are integrated into local or regional party structures and determine who is eligible to appear on party lists or on primary ballots. Consequently, the outcome shapes who can compete in later stages and can influence campaign messaging and resources.

Preselections can offer benefits such as increased organization, coherence with strategy, and the ability to assess candidates outside public scrutiny. They can also be criticized for limiting voter choice, concentrating influence among party elites, a lack of transparency, and potential bias toward established figures.

Because practices differ by country and party, preselections are not a uniform feature of elections. They can operate as informal vetting in one system and as formal, binding ballots in another.