Prime minister–designate facts for kids
A prime minister–designate or premier–designate is a special title given to someone who is expected to become the next leader of a country's government. This usually happens after a big election, or when they win the leadership of the party that is currently in charge. Sometimes, the country's head of state (like a king, queen, or president) chooses them to form a new government.
Understanding a Prime Minister-Designate
In many countries, especially those that follow the Westminster system (like the United Kingdom and Canada), the head of state officially appoints the new prime minister. This happens when the old prime minister resigns, is removed, or passes away.
How a New Prime Minister is Chosen
After an election, if the current prime minister's party clearly loses, they will usually step down. They know they won't have enough support in parliament to keep leading. If another political party wins a majority government (meaning they have more than half the seats), the old prime minister will suggest that the leader of that winning party becomes the new prime minister.
The Transition Period
There isn't a strict time limit for this change to happen. Often, the new leader needs a few weeks to get ready. They use this time to decide who will be in their cabinet (the group of top government ministers). During this period, they are called the prime minister–designate. After this, they are officially sworn in as the prime minister. However, in the United Kingdom, the change can happen very quickly, sometimes within 24 hours of the election results.
What if No Party Wins a Majority?
Things get a bit more complex if there's a hung parliament. This means no single party wins a clear majority of seats. By law, the current prime minister can try to stay in power. They would need to win a vote of confidence in parliament.
When a Leader Becomes Prime Minister-Designate
Often, if the prime minister doesn't have the most seats, they will give up power. They do this even if their party is the largest. In this case, the leader of the largest opposition party might become the prime minister–designate. This is similar to what happens when a party wins a majority.
If the current prime minister chooses not to resign, the leader of the largest opposition party won't be called the prime minister–designate right away. The prime minister must win a vote of confidence to stay in office. If they lose, the head of state might ask the leader of the largest opposition party to try and form a government. This means they could become the prime minister–designate weeks after the election.
Different Names for the Future Leader
The term prime minister–elect is sometimes used. But it's not always technically correct. A prime minister is usually appointed by the head of state, not directly elected by everyone in the country. Still, the media often uses this term. Other terms you might hear are incoming prime minister or prime minister–in-waiting.
Understanding "Prime Minister-in-Waiting"
The term "prime minister–in-waiting" can also be used more broadly. It might refer to a party leader who is doing well in opinion polls before an election. Or it could mean any opposition party leader, even if they don't have a strong chance of winning. Many people called "prime ministers-in-waiting" never actually become prime minister.
The "Prime Minister-Presumptive"
Sometimes, when a leader is almost certain to take over, but it's not official yet, they might be called a prime minister-presumptive. This is like an heir presumptive in a royal family. For example, in 2007, Gordon Brown was called the prime minister–designate in the United Kingdom. This was even before the leadership election officially confirmed him. Some reporters thought "prime minister-presumptive" would have been a better term then.
Prime Minister-Designate in Other Countries
In the Republic of Ireland, the prime minister is called the Taoiseach. The person expected to take this role might be called the presumptive Taoiseach, Taoiseach-designate, or Taoiseach-in-waiting. No single term is used all the time.
In many European countries, elections often result in a multiparty system. This means it's rare for one party to win a clear majority. So, there isn't usually a prime minister-designate right after the election. The old government stays in charge for a while. The head of state then talks to leaders from different parties. They choose someone to try and form a coalition government (a government made of several parties working together). This person is called a formateur. They only become prime minister-designate once the coalition is agreed upon. Then, they become prime minister after parliament gives them a formal vote of confidence.
The title "premier-designate" means the same thing in governments where the leader is called a "premier" instead of a prime minister.
Specific Roles in Some Countries
In most places, being a prime minister-designate doesn't give someone any special powers or duties. They don't get these until they are officially appointed.
Israel's Prime Minister-Elect
Between 1996 and 2001, Israel had special rules for the prime minister–elect. The person elected had 45 days after the election results were announced to appear before the Knesset (Israel's parliament). They would present their ministers and explain their government's plans. After getting a vote of confidence from the Knesset, they would officially become prime minister. In 2001, Israel changed back to a system where the prime minister is chosen by the parliament, similar to how it was before 1996.
Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Selection
The Solomon Islands has a specific rule in its constitution. There is a 14-day period between the general election and the selection of the prime minister. During this time, candidates for prime minister work hard to get enough support to win. The person who is successfully voted to form the government is the prime minister-designate. They hold this title until the governor-general officially swears them in.
See also
- -elect
- Caretaker government of Australia
- President-elect of the United States
