ABSTRACT

Italy is an important example, since the temporal continuity of its experience with primaries has made it a reference point in the framework of the studies on this topic. This chapter analyzes how this instrument became rooted in Italian politics and how it developed. It focuses on the political context before primary elections and helps readers to understand what the political, social and cultural milieu was that led to the development primary elections. The chapter also focuses on the historical and political evolution of intra-party democracy processes. It provides a space to the causes of the transition to a more inclusive party system and discusses the rules and arrangements of these processes in the various parties. The chapter looks at the primaries for the prime minister's choice and covers the primaries for the selection of parliamentary candidates. It describes the local primaries (regional, provincial and municipal) and analyzes the processes for the party leader's selection.