selectorate

/ sɪˈlɛktərɪt /

noun

1. a body of people responsible for making a selection, esp members of a political party who select candidates for an election

Word History and Origins

Origin of selectorate¹

C20: from select + ( elect ) orate

Example Sentences

Democracies “tend to be better at delivering longer lives for their citizens and better economic outcomes,” but “selectorate” countries—Shafik cites China as an example—“can also deliver effective outcomes for their citizens.”

From Slate

Because this was not a general election, most of Britain was sitting on the sidelines while a “selectorate” of 172,437 dues-paying Conservative Party members — less than 0.3 percent of the population — determined the country’s political future.

From Washington Post

Mr. Johnson’s departure from Downing Street after a series of scandals has left the ultimate decision on his successor in the hands of around 160,000 Conservative Party members, a small “selectorate” that, by definition, is more right-wing than the general population but also whiter, older and more male.

From New York Times

Mr. Johnson’s departure from Downing Street after a series of scandals has left the ultimate decision on his successor in the hands of around 160,000 Conservative Party members, a small “selectorate” that, by definition, is more right-wing than the general population but also whiter, older and more male.

From New York Times

"In short, what political scientists call 'the selectorate' looks pretty different to the electorate."

From BBC