Publication

This paper explores the selection of presidential candidates in relation to the degree of openness and inclusiveness of candidacy and electorates in Latin America, Africa and Asia. The analysis of data from Latin America, Africa and Asia reveals that presidential candidate selection has become more inclusive during the past 30 years. The author attempts to identify the main reasons why ‘democratization’ of presidential candidate selection is a trend in Third Wave democracies and concludes that an institutionalized party system, a ban on presidential re-election and regional factors, are among the most important variables in explaining methods of candidate selection.