A primary election is the process by which the general public can indicate their preference for a candidate in an upcoming general election or by-election, thus narrowing the field of candidates.
Primaries are used in various countries throughout the world. Its origins can be traced to the progressive movement in the United States, which aimed to take the power of candidate nomination from party leaders to the people.[1] Political parties control the method of nomination of candidates for office in the name of the party.
Other methods of selecting candidates include caucuses, conventions, and nomination meetings.