The type of election which allows party members to elect candidates for elective offices is _________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the type of election in which party members choose the candidates who will represent the party in elective offices. The key phrases are "party members" and "elect candidates."

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• General election: Held at regular intervals, when all eligible voters choose their representatives into public office (e.g., the presidential election in Nigeria every four years).
• Bye-election: Held to fill a vacancy that occurs between general elections, for example after the death, resignation, or removal of an office holder.
• Direct election: Voters choose their representatives personally, without intermediaries. It describes how people vote, not who votes or why.
• Primary election: An internal party election in which party members (or delegates) choose the person who will fly the party's flag as its candidate in the general election.

Step 3: Match the definition to the options

• A: Involves the whole electorate, not just party members. ✗
• B: Fills vacancies and is not limited to party members. ✗
• C: Describes a voting method, not a party's internal selection. ✗
• D: Party members choose the party's candidates. ✓

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is D. primary election.

Tip: "Primary" means "first." It is the first stage, where each party picks its candidate, before the general election where the public chooses among the parties' candidates. If you see "party members choose candidates," think primary.