2009/01/01 by Gideon Rahat · 65 citations
Business, Management and Accounting · Engineering · Social Sciences · #Agency (philosophy) #Artificial intelligence #Candidacy #Computer science #Democracy #Electoral Systems and Political Participation #Engineering #Law #Operations research #Political Influence and Corporate Strategies #Political Systems and Governance #Political science #Politics #Representation (politics) #Selection (genetic algorithm) #Social science #Sociology #Voting
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1477-7053.2008.01276.x
published in Government and Opposition 44(1), 68-90 (Cambridge University Press)
openalex publication_date 2009/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Abstract This article suggests guidelines for identifying the ramifications of central elements of candidate selection methods for various democratic dimensions – participation, competition, representation and responsiveness – and analyses their possible role in supplying checks and balances. It proposes employing a three-stage candidate selection method: in the first stage a small committee appoints candidates to a shortlist; in the second stage a selected party agency may add or remove candidates using a special procedure (absolute majority vote, for example) and also ratify the re-adoption of incumbent candidates; and, finally, party members select candidates for safe seats or safe list positions among the proposed candidates. The article also recommends employing moderate requirements for candidacy; the use of a non-majoritarian voting method; and allowing the national centre a say in candidate selection.