Vyber kandidatu do Evropskeho parlamentu v hlavnich ceskych politickych stranach
In: Politologický časopis, Band 12, Heft 1, S. 3-26
ISSN: 1211-3247
The paper analyzes the candidate selection procedure in Czech political parties before the elections to the European Parliament. It focuses on the four main Czech political parties: CSSD, KDU-CSL, KSCM & ODS. First, selection procedures are described. The description is based on the analysis of written documents (party statutes & statutes governing candidate selection procedures). Second, the article analyzes candidate selections by applying the classification framework set by Gideon Rahat & Reuven Hazan. This framework emphasizes four dimensions of candidate selection methods: candidacy, party electorates, decentralization, & voting/appointment systems. The findings from the analysis of written documents are compared with the results from a questionnaire survey conducted among the candidates. Candidate selection in CSSD & ODS was centralized in the hands of the narrow central executive & candidacy was limited to party members. On the other hand, candidate selection in KDU-CSL & KSCM was more decentralized, with final decisions taken by widely representative central party bodies. Tables, Figures, References. Adapted from the source document.