All major Belizean political parties nominate House candidates via a preselection process similar to those used in other Westminster systems. These nominees are called "standard-bearers." In most cases, incumbent House members retain standard-bearer status for their party, while the opposition party in a given constituency often nominates its standard-bearer months or even years in advance of a general election. Standard bearers are considered party officials responsible for overall political organization in their particular constituencies regardless of whether they currently serve in the Belize House or not.