Indian Political Parties: Internal Democracy & Global Systems

Lack of Internal Democracy in Indian Political Parties

The lack of internal democracy within political parties in India is a significant concern, stemming from several key reasons:

• Concentration of Power: There is a strong tendency in political parties towards the concentration of power in one or a few leaders at the top.
• Irregular Internal Processes: Parties often do not hold regular organizational meetings or conduct internal elections consistently.
• Limited Member Influence: Many members lack the necessary means or connections to significantly influence party decisions.
• Absence of Membership Registers: Parties frequently do not maintain proper membership registers, making internal accountability difficult.

These characteristics are observable in various Indian political parties, including the Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Samajwadi Party (SP).

Understanding Global Party Systems

There are three primary types of party systems that exist worldwide:

1. One-Party System

• Description: In this system, there is typically no choice or competition. The single dominant party nominates candidates, and voters often have limited options, such as approving or disapproving the candidate, or not voting.
• Examples: This kind of system is prevalent in communist countries or authoritarian regimes, such as China, North Korea, and Cuba.
• Merit: Supporters claim that this system helps the government in mobilizing the talents of all citizens towards a common goal, fostering unity and rapid decision-making.

2. Two-Party System

• Description: In this case, two major parties dominate the political landscape. The winning party typically requires the maximum number of votes. Smaller parties usually merge with a larger one or drop out from the competition.
• Examples: Prominent examples include Great Britain and Canada.
• Merit: Proponents of this system believe it helps the government function smoothly and prevents the danger of political fragmentation, leading to more stable governance.

3. Multi-Party System

• Description: In this system, three or more parties are in competition to gain control of the government, either separately or in a coalition. When no single party gains a majority of votes, several parties often join together to form a coalition government.
• Example: India is a prime example of a multi-party system.
• Merit: Supporters of this system point out that it allows for a broader range of points of view and diverse interests to be represented in the government.

India's Party System

India operates under a Multi-Party System, reflecting its diverse political landscape and the need for various viewpoints to be represented in governance.