Fighting Elections (AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Who can stand for election?

• To stand for election means to put yourself forward as a candidate so that voters can choose you to represent them

  • Candidates must meet legal requirements about citizenship, age, and eligibility

  • Some people are disqualified to protect fairness and democracy

• Candidates do not have to belong to a political party to stand for election

  • Candidates can stand as independents, without any party affiliation

  • Independent candidates must still meet the same legal requirements and follow the same election rules as party candidates

Local council elections

UK general elections

How are candidates chosen?

• Most candidates for election are sponsored by one of the national political parties

• Political parties adopt similar processes to select candidates to stand in elections

  • They use this process to ensure candidates are suitable, trusted and supported, while also allowing local members a role in choosing who represents them

The candidate selection process

Advertising to party members

• Political parties advertise internally for members who are interested in standing as candidates

  • Parties like Labour and the Conservatives often encourage local activists or campaigners to put themselves forward

Formal application and approval process

• Interested individuals must formally apply to the party to become a potential candidate

  • This usually involves completing an application form explaining their experience, values and reasons for wanting to stand

Vetting of the application

• The party will check the application carefully before moving forward

  • This includes reviewing background information and contacting referees to ensure the applicant is suitable and does not pose a reputational risk

• Parties have become stricter after past controversies involving unsuitable candidates

Interview and candidate approval

• Applicants attend an interview, often with senior party members or a regional panel

  • Parties may assess communication skills, knowledge of local issues and commitment to party values

• Many parties, such as the Liberal Democrats, provide training and mentoring to help new candidates prepare

Local selection process

• Approved candidates who want to stand in a specific ward or constituency meet local party members

  • Candidates may give speeches and answer questions before local members vote to select who will represent the party

  • This gives local members a strong say in who represents them

Adoption as a candidate

• Once selected, the candidate is publicly announced and becomes the party’s official (adopted) candidate

• From this point, they campaign openly using the party’s name, logo and support