Leaders of parties or parties of leaders? The position of party leaders and models of their selection on the example of Poland and the Czech Republic

Abstract

The aim of the study is to analyse the position of leaders in political parties and their selection processes. The main research hypothesis is the supposition of strengthening the role of leaders in political parties, especially in the context of their competence and choice. The basic theoretical categories include party leadership, intra-party democracy and selection of leaders. The chapter indicates a change in the role and meaning of contemporary political parties as a backstage for party leaders. The key problem that is to be solved in this chapter concerns the role and importance of the leader in contemporary political parties on the example of Poland and the Czech Republic. Authors focus on the leadership position in the party and the selection process and strive to determine whether we are dealing with political parties operating in a democratic and pluralistic manner. Authors will use the analysis of the content of the statutes of political parties as well as party and media documents showing the course of the selection processes. The chapter combines quantitative and qualitative analysis of the prerogatives of party leaders and the results of individual in-party elections.