Selecting politicians is one of the most relevant functions of political parties and a critical factor contributing to the quality of democracy. The long economic crisis has seen the emergence of new political movements in different parts of the world and a growing number of social movements turning into political forces. New ways of managing politics are implemented challenging “old, traditional” politics. The extent to which old and new politics are confronted is to be seen. However, new political and social movements across Europe are changing the way politicians (candidates) are selected to be part of an electoral list. How are these new ways of selecting candidates? Are they so new? What does it make them different? What are the effects on other parties and institutions? Is there a federal vs. unitary state cleavage? Are tehre differences between regions inside Europe?

This panel seeks empirically driven papers explaining changes in the way candidates for parliaments are selected. The panel looks for contributions that may help the authors to build a comparative scholarship for a future book. Althouhgh papers centered on Europe will be the backbone of the panel, papers dealing with other countries will be welcomed to establish a meaningful comparison.