What is a political party?
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for society, with a view to promote the common good.
A party is partisan: it stands for one side. It has three parts: leaders, active members and followers (supporters).
Functions of political parties
- Contest elections: parties choose candidates. In India, top leaders usually pick them.
- Put forward policies: voters choose between different programmes.
- Make laws: members of the ruling party usually follow party decisions in the legislature.
- Form and run governments: parties pick ministers and run the government.
- Play opposition: parties that lose criticise the government and hold it to account.
- Shape public opinion: parties raise issues and start movements.
- Provide access to government schemes: a local party worker can connect people with welfare schemes more easily than an officer.
Why do we need parties?
Without parties, every candidate would be independent. No one could promise big policy changes, and no one would be responsible for running the country. Parties make representative democracy work.
Party systems
- One-party system: only one party is allowed to control and run the government (for example, China). It is not a democratic choice because voters have no real alternative.
- Two-party system: power usually changes between two main parties (USA, UK).
- Multi-party system: several parties compete, and more than two have a real chance of winning, alone or in alliance (India).
When parties join to contest elections and win power, it is called an alliance or front, for example NDA and INDIA/UPA. The choice of party system depends on society, history and the election system; no system is best for all countries.
National and state parties
Every party in India must register with the Election Commission. Bigger, established parties are 'recognised' and get a unique election symbol.
- State party: gets at least 6% of votes in a state assembly election and wins at least 2 seats (commonly called regional parties).
- National party: gets at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha or assembly elections in 4 states and wins at least 4 Lok Sabha seats.
Since the 1990s, state parties have grown and play a big role in forming governments at the centre through coalitions. This has made our federalism and democracy stronger.
Challenges to political parties
- Lack of internal democracy: power stays with one or a few top leaders; members are not consulted and organisational elections are rare.
- Dynastic succession: top posts go to family members of leaders.
- Money and muscle power: parties give tickets to rich people or those with criminal records who can win.
- Lack of meaningful choice: the ideas of major parties have become similar, so voters have fewer real choices.
How can parties be reformed?
Steps already taken
- Anti-defection law: an elected MLA or MP who changes party loses the seat.
- Candidates must file an affidavit giving details of their property and criminal cases.
- The Election Commission requires parties to hold organisational elections and file income tax returns.
Other suggestions
- A law to run parties' internal affairs, with a register of members and open elections.
- A fixed share of tickets (like one-third) for women.
- State funding of elections, such as giving fuel, paper or phones to parties.
- Pressure from people, the media and movements; and good citizens joining parties.
Key formulas and definitions
- Political party: a group that contests elections and seeks power to carry out agreed policies.
- Three parts of a party: leaders, active members, followers.
- Party systems: one-party, two-party, multi-party.
- Alliance/front: parties joining together to contest elections and form government.
- State party: 6% votes + 2 seats in one state assembly.
- National party: 6% votes in 4 states + 4 Lok Sabha seats.
- Defection: changing party after being elected; banned by the anti-defection law.
Worked examples
1. Why does a party that loses the election still matter?
It becomes the opposition. It questions and criticises the government, so the government stays accountable.
2. A party wins 7% of votes and 3 seats in one state's assembly election. What status can it get?
It meets the state party criteria (at least 6% votes and 2 seats), so it can be recognised as a state party.
3. An MLA elected from Party A joins Party B. What happens under the anti-defection law?
He or she can lose the seat in the assembly.
4. Why is India a multi-party system?
India has huge social and regional variety, so many groups need their own voice. A multi-party system lets them be represented.
5. How does an affidavit help voters?
It tells voters a candidate's property and criminal cases, so they can make an informed choice.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a one-party system can be democratic. Without a real alternative, voters have no free choice.
- Calling every regional party a national party. The status depends on vote share and seats across states.
- Believing the anti-defection law fixed everything. It has reduced defection but increased the power of party leaders.
- Forgetting the opposition is a function of parties. Losing parties also play a key role.