Candidate turning on explosive energy (7)

I believe the answer is:

nominee

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'candidate' is the definition.
(I know that candidate is a type of candidate)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nominee that I've seen before include "One named as candidate" , "someone to act for them" , "Candidate - appointed person" , "Aspirant" , "Person standing for office" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent and The Sun.

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