Party system

The Meaning of Party System

Party system refers to the number of parties that compete for power and consequent control of governmental machinery in a polity. The entire group of parties in a country forms the political party system. The party system reflects the pattern of relationships between individual parties in relation to each other. For instance PDP, SDP, APC, LP etc. forms a party system. The party and electoral laws also exercise considerable influence on the configuration of the party system depending on how liberal and free or restrictive the creation of new parties have been laid out and if the electoral system facilitates the representation of a larger number of parties in the parliament or not. Yet, in pre-democratic times the existence of one party provoked at least the emergence of another party. Throughout history, party systems have in principle developed along social and/or ideological lines of conflict. Party systems can be classified by different criteria. Most frequently it is the number of parties that are fighting for power that serves as the criteria for the description of a party system. In this way, one can differentiate one, two and multi-party systems.

Meaning of Manifesto

A manifesto is usually a blueprint of what a political party intends to do if and when it is elected into office.

The Difference between Political Parties and Party System

Political parties are organized group of citizens, who act together as a political unit, having distinctive aims and objectives involving political questions in the state and acting together and wishing to get control of government whereas party system is the conduct of government based on the number of political parties within the system.

Types of Party System

At the moment three party systems can be identified. They are one party system as represented by Tanzania, Egypt and Spain, two- or bi-party system as represented by the United States of America and Britain and multi-party system as represented by Norway, Sweden and Nigeria.

One-Party System

Meaning of One-Party System

A one-party system is that in which only one political party exists and the forming of other political parties is forbidden. That is to say only one party is recognized by the constitution of the country. The formation of any other party in such system is not only prohibited but are also illegal. Though some countries have many political parties that exist, but only one that can by law be in control, which is called a one-party dominant state.  For example, in China all power is vested in the Communist Party of China. Other parties are allowed to exist only if they accept the leading role of the Communist Party.

As of April 2015, there are seven states that are ruled by a single party:

1. China
2. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
3. Vietnam
4. Laos
5. Cuba
6. Eritrea
7. Western Sahara

One party system may be defined as a political arrangement in which only one political party is legally and constitutionally allowed to operate. One or single party system operates better in a smaller and non-multicultural society. Some African countries like Nkrumah’s Ghana. Guinea under Ahmed Toure, Kenyatta’s Kenya, Zaire, Tanzania, Zambia, etc. Have at one time or the other operated one party system.

Types of One-Party System

One party system is of two types:

1. De jure one party system
2. De facto one party system

De Jure One-Party System

This is one party system in which only one political party is legally and constitutionally allowed to operate. This system is practiced in Russia, China, Cuba, Malawi etc.

De Facto One-Party System

This type of one-party system exists where there is no legal or constitutional prohibitions on other parties to exist rather the competing political parties are gradually eliminated from functioning through the electoral processes for example Senegal under Leopold Sedar Senghor with union Progressiste Senegalaise as the dominant political party despite the presence of other weak parties.

Characteristics of One-Party System

1. There is one officially recognized party. Only one party exist legally.
2. Dependent mass-media: No private individual is allowed to run a private media outfit.
3. Single ideology: The recognized party determines the political ideology of the country.
4. No opposition party: There is no vacuum for opposition party.
5. It is vulnerable to arbitrary rule (dictatorship). This system is open to dictatorial tendencies.
6. The constitution makes provision for a single party. Only one party is constitutionally recognized.
7. The oppression of political competition and democratic freedom

Merits of One-Party System

1. It helps in the establishment of stable administration which further helps in the progress of the country.
2. In this system, formation and execution of long-term planning is possible.
3. There is absence of unhealthy rivalry.
4. The administration becomes efficient because all the powers are concentrated in the hands of one leader and there favouritism, nepotism and black-marketing are banished altogether.
5. There is a unity and discipline in the country.
6. Time is not wasted in unnecessary criticism and propaganda.
7. It makes for strong leadership because all the political powers are concentrated on a single individual.

Demerits of One-Party System

1. Since there is only one party in this system, there is no freedom of expression.
2. Democracy is eroded and dictatorship emerges.
3. There is no regard for the views of different classes and interests.
4. The Government becomes absolute and the administration becomes irresponsible.
5. The development of the personality is hindered because all social freedoms are crushed.
6. In this system there is an overbearing influence of terrorism, and the opponents are crushed with a heavy hand.
7. The dictators make enormous military preparations for maintaining their honor and position, and they adopt the policy of war and victory which is quite harmful for the country.
8. The government controls all the medium of communication in the country.

Two-Party System

Two-party system may be in two forms:

1. It may be that only two parties are officially and legally allowed to exist. The United States is an example of a two-party system in which the majority of elected officials are either Democrats or Republicans.
2. It may be that over time only two parties have emerged to be dominant parties and have the chance of winning the election out of a number of parties that are existing e.g. Britain. This means there may be more than two parties in existence.

Therefore, “two-party system” means that two parties primarily dominate the political competition, while other smaller parties only play a subordinate role.

Characteristics of Two-Party System

1. There are only two dominant political parties that are legally and constitutionally recognized. However, there may be numerous parties competing for electoral positions.
2. Opposition party is officially recognized.
3. There is room and opportunity for choice of candidates and parties.
4. It allows for application of democratic principles.
5. It provide vacuum for press freedom
6. There is room for change in government because there is provision for periodic elections.
7. The opposition party is seen as a corrective party in government. It act as checks and balance to the incumbent leader.

Merits of Two-Party System

1. It promotes political instability.
2. Strong opposition exist which may prevent dictatorship
3. Election is more meaningful than one party system since there are alternative candidates and programmes.
4. There is wider political education than that of one party system.
5. It promotes popular government.
6. The government is more responsible and accountable than one party system, since it can be rejected in the next election.
7. The principle of rule of law is enhanced in two party system since ideas and freedom of association is permitted, and everybody is equal before the law.
8. Competition which can bring out the best political programmes for the people is a major plus for two-party system.
9. Two-party systems encourage political participation. As a democratic and diverse nation, there is room for citizens to express different opinions and take part in their own governing by way of the political system. Unlike the one-party system in China where only the Communist Party is permitted to take part in government, the citizens participate in government by casting their votes at the polls.

Demerits of Two-Party System

1. The two- party system may lead to unhealthy political rivalry even to the extent of rigging of elections and violence
2. Two party system usually divides the people into two opposing forces which breeds violence.
3. In terms of cost of operation, the two party system is relatively more expensive than the one party system.
4. Also the interest of minority groups are not catered for in the two party system, therefore it strangulates democracy.
5. The two party system can degenerates into dictatorship. If one party becomes too powerful.
6. Quick decision on policy matters is not easily reached on time, since opposition is present to argue and delay decision making.

Multi-Party System

Meaning of Multi-Party System

This is a system where more than two parties compete for the control of power in a political system. That is to say it a system in which there are more than two political parties which are legally and constitutionally recognized to operate in a country. There can be numerous party. Sometimes some of the multi-party combines and cooperate in an election to fight a common enemy. Thus, in a “multi-party system”, more than two parties have an effect on the political competition. Examples of countries with the multi-party system are Nigeria, Sweden, and Norway etc.

Features of Multi-Party System

1. There are numerous registered political parties in the system.
2. All political parties are legally and constitutionally recognized.
3. There variety of parties and programmme for easy choice making by the electorates.
4. There is enhance and widened political education / enlightenment.
5. There is broader political spectrum representation.
6. There is then tendency of establishing a coalition government.
7. There is no room for despotic leadership.
8. There periodic conduct of electioneering activities.
9. It upholds democratic principles.

Merits of Multi-Party System

1. Democratic values are greatly enhanced in the multi-party system. This is because any one that is interested in politics is free to join an existing political party or form a political party to project his ambition.
2. It does not degenerate into a dictatorial government/ leadership, and coercion is almost absent.
3. The level of political participation by the populace is enhanced.
4. Coalition of parties to form government form variety in the practice of governance.
5. It is often difficult for wrong policy to be taken because issues are thoroughly discussed and deliberated upon before final decisions are taken.
6. Rule of law and fundamental human rights are protected.
7. Sovereignty which determines where power lies, is with the people unlike the party systems.
8. The interest of minority groups is provide for in this system.

Demerits of Multi-Party System

1. It is difficult to win a majority plurality, so they must form coalitions, coalitions are vulnerable to breaking up.
2. The cost of operation is often enormous.
3. Coalition may bring in conflicting principles and ideologies which can lead to political instability.
4. Because many political parties are involved in unhealthy rivalry and competition can lead to shading of blood.
5. The level of corruption is increased by the system because people will adopt all forms of malpractices to gain power.
6. Plans for economic development are usually aborted a government changes. This disintegrates the system and leads to underdevelopment and abandoned projects.
7. The need for compromise make government weak.
8. It may bring about problem of favouritism and disunity.
9. Desire to win elections at all cost may lead to rigging and political violence.

EVALUATION

1. Highlight the merits of two party system.
2. Mention the demerits of two party system.
3. Mention five characteristic of a political party.