By Muskan Mudgal
James Bryce’s says “Parties are inevitable. No free country has ever been without them, and no one expects that any free country will ever be without them.”
Introduction
A political party is an organized group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government. They share a common ideology, policies, and goals, and they work collectively to influence public opinion and governance. Political parties are an essential part of modern democratic systems because they act as a link between the government and the people.In the vast ocean of democracy, political parties act as the ships that carry people’s hopes, demands, and voices to the shore of governance.
Meaning and Definition
According to Burke: “A political party is a body of men united for promoting by their joint endeavors the national interest upon some particular principle in which they all agreed.”
In simple terms, parties are instruments to represent citizens’ views, influence governance, and ensure accountability in a democracy.
Bases for the Formation of Political Parties
*Ideological Basis : Communist Parties based on Marxist ideology
*Religion Basis: Parties formed on minority or majority religious sentiments
*Socio-Economic Interest : Labour Party in Britain representing working-class interests
*Historical and Revolutionary Movement: Historical and Revolutionary Movement
*Charismatic Leadership: Many regional parties in India formed around influential leaders
Functions of Political Parties
~ Contest Elections
~ Form Government
~ Opposition Role
~ Public Opinion Formation
~ Policy Making
Types of Political Parties
Cadre-based vs. Mass-based Parties – Some focus on disciplined organization, others on wide public participation.
Left-wing, Right-wing, and Centrist Parties – Based on ideological positions.
Single-party system, Bi-party system, Multi-party system – Depending on how many parties dominate the political structure.
Advantages of Political Parties :
.Political Parties are according to human nature
.Political Parties concentrate the attention of voters on big problems
.Political Parties create co-operation between executive and legislature
.Political Parties pilot the reforms
Importance in Democracy
Political parties are the lifeline of democracy. They provide citizens with choices of leadership and policies, making elections meaningful. Without them, people’s voices would remain scattered, but through parties, these voices are organized and represented in government. Parties also act as watchdogs by keeping the ruling party accountable, while simultaneously educating the masses about their rights and duties. In short, political parties transform the will of the people into action, ensuring stability, representation, and progress in society.
Problems Faced by Political Parties
Political parties encounter numerous challenges that affect their functioning:
Internal Democracy: Leadership positions often lack transparency, and decisions may be centralized
Funding Issues: Parties require large funds for campaigns, which sometimes leads to dependence on illegal sources
Factionalism: Internal conflicts weaken party unity and effectiveness
Public Distrust: Corruption and scandals reduce citizens trust in political parties
Changing Voter Expectations: Rapid social and economic changes force parties to adapt quickly to new demands
Contemporary Condition of Political Parties
Contemporary political parties are powerful but criticized for being more leader-centered, money-driven, and less ideological.The growth of regional and issue-based parties has diversified representation but also caused frequent political fragmentation and instability. Moreover, the spread of digital media and technology has transformed electioneering, making campaigns faster and louder but also vulnerable to misinformation and propaganda .To strengthen democracy, they must become transparent, accountable, and responsive to people’s real needs.
Conclusion
Political parties give voice to the people and provide structure to democracy, but their credibility is challenged by corruption, nepotism, and populism. The key question remains: Will parties evolve to prioritise public welfare over personal or political gains?
(The author is Muskan Mudgal, BA first year student at Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya )