| Primaries (initial elections) are a type of voting where one candidate is elected from one party. Later, among elected candidates goes on usual voting. Idea behind “Primaries” is that the candidates from one party do not “take away” votes from others in main elections, because their electorate is usually very close. Those who lost in “primaries” some time do participate in main elections but as independent candidates without any support from their party.
Primaries are open when voting can be done by anybody, and closed: right to vote possessed by members only in the party that which is holding initial elections. Besides this, many intermediate options exist. Some times between two candidates, who got most votes, a second run-off is arranged.
“Primaries” are particularly practiced in US, but very rare in other countries.
First primaries were held in US in 1842. The first state which enacted law on mandatory holding of primaries was Wisconsin, in 1903. By 1927, those laws were enacted by every state. Primaries had become commonly accepted procedure for electing party candidates (before that, candidates were selected in party meetings and conferences, often through backstage talks). Though, later a number of states refused to hold mandatory primaries. When counting votes, various systems of voting and many-stage patterns are taken into account. In some northern states there is a tradition of supporting the candidate who got arithmetic majority of votes. In southern states, gap in gathered votes between winner and his closest rivals is estimated. In 11 of U.S. states party conferences and referendums – caucus, are held, but not primaries. |
Primaries and debates in Iowa last week left the Clinton camp disappointed and the Obama camp more confident after the win. Mike Huckabee was a surprising winner for the Republicans. Polls for the New Hampshire primaries show Obama in the lead followed by Clinton for the Democrats, while McCain and Romney are running nose to nose for the Republicans. The voters in New Hampshire will make their choices on Tuesday.
