ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to extend the literature on the organizational consequences of introducing party primaries. To do so, it develops a theoretical framework exploring the impact that the degree of inclusiveness of the selectorate and other internal regulations of primary elections might have on the elites and party leaders’ power within the party. The analysis focuses on the introduction of party primaries of both party leaders and top candidates at the regional and national level for the main Spanish mainstream parties. The chapter points out that the introduction of party primaries has eventually weakened the winners’ strength, hence also affecting the party cohesion. This has been true at the national level where intra-party competition has been tougher, but also at the regional arena where party leaders have had similar problems despite having less internal competition. The results also show a weak link between the outcomes of the first internal election and their future use, mostly shaped by the (national) internal regulations.
