Crossword Genius

Choose to make a speech in the political arena (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

electorate

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'the political arena' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'choose to make a speech' is the wordplay.
'choose' becomes 'elect' (electing is a kind of choosing).
'to make a speech' becomes 'orate' (I've seen this before).
'elect'+'orate'='ELECTORATE'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for electorate that I've seen before include "Voters collectively" , "Constituency" , "Voters in general" , "Everyone choosing" , "Voters as a whole" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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