Countries where the same leaders run, even after losing

[Foucaulf]

We've established this is accepted in parliamentary systems. Let's take a look at presidential systems:

-Antonio and Hash already talked about France. I'll add that it is less likely for the same Socialist candidate to run twice following their introduction of U.S.-style primaries.

-Nigeria's ruling PDP hasn't lost power since the end of military rule, but they have a rule which alternates their presidents between Christians and Muslims. The opposition is very much personality based, like military dictator turned perennial candidate Muhammdu Bihari.

-Most Latin American countries have only developed a multiparty democracy in recent years, so politics are still personality-based. During single-party rule countries like Uruguay would have party leaders serving multiple presidencies. Another example is Peru, where parties are essentially outfits of perennial candidates.

-South Korea has political wings as the focus rather than political parties; parties change their name repeatedly and merge with others. Major figures during the democratic transition like Kim Dae-jung - Mr. Sunshine Policy - figured in the democratic process.


The problem is that the presidential system puts so much focus on one personality, so most countries see a bunch of powerful figures fighting back forth or party elites suppressing other factions to maintain their candidate. The States is a special case. The Democrats and Republicans are decentralized, and the political focus is on building coalitions rather than hammering a certain ideology. A presidential candidate climbs to the nomination by assembling a certain coalition, but his defeat gives other factions a window of opportunity to support a different presidential candidate four years later.