Electoralism definition
Electoralism. , here, means the process of operating through competitive elections as part of the democratic process (joining or creating parties, drafting manifestos, putting forward candidates for election, electioneering and voting). Closely aligned to this notion is that of ‘constitutionalism’, seeking to make socio-political change by participating with or in the formal offices and processes of government. These two are not quite synonymous, as some groups might take part in competitive elections in order to promote extra-parliamentary activity, but have no intention of engaging in the formal structures of the state; one example of this strategy is Sinn Féin’s abstentionist policy with regard to the British parliament in Westminster. Similarly, groups and individuals might reject electoral participation, but use legitimate influence on the offices of state, or accept positions in government. An example of the latter is the participation of four ministers from the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (National Confederation of Labour - CNT) in Francisco Largo Caballero’s 1936 government. Usually, however, electoralism and aligned concepts such as ‘electoral shift’ imply constitutionalism, that is to say working through the national (state) or local (municipal) institutions.