ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out the general approach of Trotskyist groups to electoral participation, drawing particularly on the ideas of Lenin. It examines their results in a range of British elections before exploring explanations for their generally poor performance. The chapter also examines the responses of Trotskyist groups to their own poor electoral results. The general approach of Trotskyist organizations to elections and electoral participation is mainly derived from the writings of Marx, Engels and Lenin rather than Trotsky himself. The critical tradition dates back to the statement in the Communist Manifesto that 'The executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie'. The Socialist Party has fought local elections more consistently than any other Trotskyist group but its achievements have proved to be limited and fragile. In contrast, parties in the more proportional electoral systems of Western Europe can secure parliamentary seats with around 4–5 per cent of the popular vote.
