„Wer entscheidet unter welchen Bedingungen über die Nominierung von Kandidaten?“ Die innerparteilichen Selektionsprozesse zur Aufstellung in den Wahlkreisen

Candidate Selection in Germany

“…For the 2002 federal elections, 34% of all SPD constituency candidates and 43% of their CDU colleagues were selected among several contenders (Schüttemeyer & Sturm, 2005). In 2009, less than a quarter (23%) of all CDU, CSU, SPD, and Left Party local party conventions were contested; in 77% of all cases, the selectors were given no choice (Reiser, 2011).…”

“…Empirical data show that this has had some effect, although delegate conferences still remain the norm. For the 2009 Bundestag elections, around 70% of all constituency candidates were selected by delegates with the remaining 30% decided by membership conventions (Reiser, 2011). However, there are strong differences between the parties to be noticed (see Table 3).…”

“…Whether this has been true or not, the German case suggests that the type of selectorate does matter. Interviews show that most delegates arrive at nomination conferences with a clear voting intention, while members are often not aware of the profile of the candidates (Reiser, 2011). In membership conventions, the performance of candidates in presenting themselves is therefore much more important.…”

“…Older studies have suggested that this is the place for the classical smoke-filled room in which local notables take a decision (Kaack, 1969; Zeuner, 1973). More recent research has updated and modified this finding without putting in question the importance of the preselection activities of local party elites (Höhne, 2010; Reiser, 2011). What are the relevant informal mechanisms?…”

“…Factional linkages may be used to unite delegates and members behind “their” nominee. Reiser (2011) shows that in some cases, the party selectors were relatively free in making up their mind, while in other cases, local and regional/national elites strongly pushed their favorite candidate. Whether as a result of elite pressure, member preferences, or personal reasons, the number of aspiring candidates shrinks during the preselection process, often resulting in the “one (wo)man” show at the formal site of nomination (Höhne, 2010).…”