<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> A primary election is not an election . An election is a formal decision - making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office . A primary "nomination" narrows the field of candidates before a general election for office . Primary elections are the means by which the general public can indicate their preference for a candidate in an upcoming general election or by - election . </P> <P> Primaries are common in the United States, where their origins are traced to the progressive movement to take the power of candidate nomination from party leaders to the people . Political parties control the method of nomination of candidates for office in the name of the party . </P>

What's the basic purpose of primary or caucus elections