Nomination is part of the process of selecting a candidate for either election to an office, or the bestowing of an honor or award.

In the context of elections for public office in a representational democracy, such as the United States, a candidate who has been selected by a political party is normally said to be the nominee of that party. The party's selection (that is, the nomination) is typically accomplished either based on one or more primary elections or by means of a political party convention or caucus, according to the rules of the party and any applicable election laws.

Normally, the nominee of a recognized political party is entitled to appear on the general election ballot. Candidates who are unaffiliated with any political party are typically required to submit a nominating petition in order to gain ballot access.

Candidate comes from the Latin word "candida" (white). In Ancient Rome, people running for political office would often wear togas chalked and bleached to be bright white. Such garments would be worn by candidates at speeches, debates, conventions, and other public functions.

In the context of elections for public office in a direct democracy, a candidate can be nominated by any eligible person -- and if parliamentary procedures are used, the nomination has to be seconded, i.e., receive agreement from a second person.

Wikipedia uses a system of nominations to select featured articles as well.

Nominación | Nomination | Nominatie