Elly Schlein Surprises with Victory in Pd Primaries, but Process Disappears in Local Elections
Elly Schlein has unexpectedly defeated her mentor, Stefano Bonaccini, and the established old guard of the Democratic Party (Pd) to become the party’s secretary through the mechanism of primaries. These primaries allow non-members to vote, as long as they are willing to pay a nominal fee of 5 euros. While primaries are not only expected but also mandatory according to Article 18 of the Pd Statute, they have been cast aside when it comes to local and regional elections. In fact, in Florence, they will not be used to select the mayoral candidate. The same is true in Sardinia and Abruzzo for the presidency of the region. And in the cities of Bari and Cagliari, to name a few. A Pd opponent of Schlein expressed, It’s as if Mario Draghi threw the euro in the bin after defending it so much.
The use of primaries in political party elections has long been a topic of debate, and Italy is no exception. Elly Schlein’s surprising victory over experienced politicians like Stefano Bonaccini has once again brought this discussion to the forefront.
Traditionally, primaries allow both party members and non-members to participate in the selection process, as long as they pay a small fee. This practice aims to include a wider range of voters and promote transparency within political parties. The Democratic Party (Pd) has even enshrined this process as mandatory according to Article 18 of its Statute.
However, as upcoming local and regional elections loom, the practice of primaries appears to have been set aside. In notable locations like Florence, Sardinia, Abruzzo, Bari, and Cagliari, the use of primaries to determine candidates has been abandoned. This sudden deviation from the established procedure has raised eyebrows and sparked dissent within the party ranks.
Critics argue that this departure from the primary system contradicts the Pd’s own principles of inclusivity and transparency. They question the motives behind this decision, suggesting that it undermines the democratic principles the party claims to uphold.
An opponent of Elly Schlein within the Pd expressed their disapproval, drawing a parallel with economist Mario Draghi’s recent actions. It’s as if Mario Draghi threw the euro in the bin after defending it so much, they said.
The absence of primaries in local and regional elections has left many wondering about the party’s commitment to democratic processes. It raises concerns over the transparency of candidate selection and the potential for backroom dealings that may favor particular individuals or factions.
While party leaders may argue that the abandonment of primaries is driven by pragmatic considerations, such as time constraints or the need for a united front, critics voice their concerns over the erosion of internal democracy. They fear that decisions are being made in smoke-filled rooms rather than through open and fair processes.
With Italy’s political landscape constantly evolving, the questions surrounding the use of primaries remain hotly debated. Proponents argue that inclusive mechanisms like primaries engage a diverse range of voters and invigorate the democratic process. On the other hand, opponents highlight potential flaws, such as the potential for non-party members to meddle in internal affairs or the risk of populism taking center stage.
The absence of primaries in upcoming local and regional elections suggests a shifting landscape within the Democratic Party (Pd) and raises doubts about the party’s commitment to its own internal processes. Whether this marks a permanent departure or a temporary deviation remains to be seen, but it certainly has sparked lively discussions within and outside the Pd.
As Italy prepares for the next round of elections, the fate of primaries hangs in the balance, and political observers eagerly await the outcome. In the meantime, the advantages and drawbacks of inclusivity and transparency in candidate selection resurface as important topics for the country’s political landscape.
