An assignment on

Role of political parties in

democracy

Submit to,
Nazmul Hasan Polash
Lecturer,
Department of Public Administration and Governance Studies,
Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University

Submitted by
Name: Binta Ansary Shantona
Roll:19102034
Session: 2018-19
Department of Computer Science and Engineering,
Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University
 Role of political parties in democracy

Introduction:

Political parties are indispensable for the working of modern democratic governments. The
importance of Political parties lies in the fact that democracies con not function without the
existence of political parties.In the absence of organized political parties one just can not
think of the working of representative government.Political parties play an important role in
modern democratic state. The states face challenge by complex organizational developments
and participation by a large number of people who had remained excluded from the dominant
political elite. (La Palombra, and Winer, 1966: 3-5) A highly significant contribution made
by political party to representative democracy is that it makes possible coherent policy and
accountability of the elected deputies. If there were only independent members or several
small groups in parliament, they would form unstable coalition to pursue interest and policy
according to shifting preferences. They could not put forward and get public endorsement for
a portfolio of consistent policies. (Gallagher, Laver, and Mair 2001:273-275). The political
system of a country owes to political parties for its proper functioning. Through political
participation and political socialization political parties mobilize the political system. The
parties create a sense of identity which transcends loyalty to the small groups divided by
ethnicity, religion, geographical location, etc. Socialization implies acceptance of shared
values and interests which provides the basis of integration. Mobilization and participation is
the key to the process and political party is the motor that runs it. (La Palombra, and Winer,
1966: 3-5).A free and fair election with all-party participation is one of the main prerequisites
of a democratic government. In this process, several entities need to play some fundamental
roles to ensure that the people can partake and utilize their voting power appropriately to
elect their representatives.Among the stakeholders, political parties are required to perform
an important part as they deploy the candidates for the people to vote and also make sure the
government carries out their duties as expected to uphold people's rights.
Politics,political party and democracy:

Politics is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other
forms of power relations between individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status.
A political system is a framework which defines acceptable political methods within a
society.

In politics, a political party is an organized group of people who have the same ideology, or
who otherwise have the same political positions, and who field candidates for elections, in an
attempt to get them elected and thereby implement the party's agenda. They are a defining
element of representative democracy.While there is some international commonality in the
way political parties are recognized and in how they operate, there are often many
differences, some of which are significant. Most of political parties have an ideological core,
but some do not, and many represent ideologies very different from their ideology at the time
the party was founded.

Democracy is a form of government in which the people have the authority to choose their
governing legislation. Who people are and how authority is shared among them are core
issues for democratic theory, development and constitution. Some cornerstones of these
issues are freedom of assembly and speech, inclusiveness and equality, membership, consent,
voting, right to life and minority rights.Generally, there are two types of democracy: direct
and representative. In a direct democracy, the people directly deliberate and decide on
legislature. In a representative democracy, the people elect representatives to deliberate and
decide on legislature, such as in parliamentary or presidential democracy. Liquid democracy
combines elements of these two basic types.We have seen that the state may be expressed by
many activities and operate in many diverse forms; and also that the success of the activity
depends upon the appropriateness of the mechanism to the purposes sought. In the countries
which concern us ,the social power relationship has embodied itself in a general form of the
state called democracy, but this term, literally conveys no-more-but no less, than that
government is, or ought to be, carried on by the people,democracy, has come to mean so
many different things, some very hostile to catch other that it needs careful analysis if
misunderstanding and idle controversies are to be avoided , and it the possible and quite
legitimate differences of connotation and its very varied institutional arrangements are to be
revealed. (Finer, 1977:67)
Relationship between political party and democracy:

Democracy is meaningless without party democracy. But in Bangladesh every political leader
or party, popular or unpopular, big or small, in or out of power, talks about democracy
incessantly into practice parties voted into power to strengthen democracy have all failed to
encourage its values. (Ahmed, 1995:364) In Bangladesh, major political parties often have a
tendency of oppose without any valid reason. They are habituated to boycott the parliament.
The situation may be expressed through the following table.

The major political parties in Bangladesh feels the importance of democracy. But if we
analyse the actual situation, we find a serious lacking of democratic practices within the
parties themselves. The major parties also argue in favour of transparency and accountability.
(Karim, 2004) Political parties survive for the very useful functions they perform in the
modern nation states. The states face challenge by complex organizational developments and
participation by a large number of people who had remained excluded from the dominant
political elite organizational complexity implies institutions which have evolved to perform
function exercise powers specified to them and differentiated from other organization. (La
Palombra, and Weiner, 1966:3-5) Political parties mobilize the citizens for purposive
participation. They make demand, express support or opposition and voice protest.
Legitimacy of government depends on people‟s support; even regimes which are dictatorial
or never got express electoral support claim legitimacy in the name of the people. When
people are mobilized, the barriers for participation are removed. The new institutions and
rules broaden participation and provide methods for conflict resolution. Political parties
create a sense of identity which transcends loyalty to the small groups divided by ethnicity,
religion, geographical location etc. Socialization implies acceptance of shared values and
interests which provides the basis of integration. Mobilizations and participation is the key to
the process and political party is the motor that‟s runs it. (La Palombra, and Weiner, 1966:3-
5) Political Party makes possible coherent policy and accountability of the elected Deputes.
(Rahman, 2008:96)

Political parties mobilize the citizens for purposive participation. They make
demand, express support or opposition and voice protest. Legitimacy of
government depends on people‟s support; even regimes which are dictatorial or
never got express electoral support claim legitimacy in the name of the people.
When people are mobilized, the barriers for participation are removed. The new
institutions and rules broaden participation and provide methods for conflict
resolution. Political parties create a sense of identity which transcends loyalty to
the small groups divided by ethnicity, religion, geographical location etc.
Socialization implies acceptance of shared values and interests which provides
the basis of integration. Mobilizations and participation is the key to the process
and political party is the motor that‟s runs it. (La Palombra, and Weiner, 1966:3-
5) Political Party makes possible coherent policy and accountability of the
elected Deputes. (Rahman, 2008:96)

A highly significant contribution made by political party to representative

democracy is that it makes possible coherent policy and accountability of the
elected deputies. If there were only independent members or several small groups
in parliament, they would form unstable coalition to pursue interests and policy
according to shifting preferences. They could not put forward and get public
endorsement for a portfolio of consistent policies. Moreover, if the coalition
could change and the members could shift loyalty, the responsibility for failure
could not be establish clearly nor could the voters boot them out. They would
shift blame to others and return to their positions. Coherent policies would not be
84 The Role of Political Parties in Democracy: Bangladesh Perspective
feasible and parties held accountable if the legislations were individual notables
agreement among whom is contingent not necessity of a policy platform.
(Rahman, 2008: 96-97)
Role of political parties towards democracy in Bangladesh:

In the absence of organized political parties one just can not think of the working of
representative government. In the light of the analysis of the role of political parties may be
discussed as follows:

1.It makes the working of parliamentary government possible: A parliament consists of the
representatives of the people.The party which gets the majority of votes forms the
government and runs the state and the other parties in the legislature constitute the opposition
and try to find fault with the government, thus making it more responsible.

2. Political Parties formulate public policies: Each political party fights the election to
achieve its objectives incorporated in their political manifesto. Soon after the election the
majority party forming the government seeks to formulate its policies of administration on
the basis of promises made in the election manifesto. Besides, each party has its own
ideology. It is assured that the majority party gets the mandate of the electorate to implement
its own political programs.

3. Political parties educate Public opinion: Parties in any system of government educate,
formulate and organize public opinion. They also help in the growth of the level of political
consciousness of common citizens, who otherwise have no time to peruse and study issues of
the state. The political parties in their effort to come closer to the people organize public
rallies, meetings, press conferences on important issues and make their views clear.

4. Political parties provide political stability: The political parties in more than one way unite,
simplify and stabilized the political process of the country. The destabilizing forces of
localism, section, interests and geographical situations are tackled by political parties by
making these parts of their party ideology.

5.They help in the recruitment of leaders : The essential function of any party is to recruit
men of integrity, letters, action, leadership to its fold as members and prepare them for
election in future. Because it is these members of party who propagate the party ideologies,
discuss the burning issues and hold meetings and press conferences to mobilize public
support.
Challenges that political parties face to ensure democracy:

Political parties face many challenges to ensure democracy which are discussed below:

After the well-run and fairly free elections of 2008, there was general optimism that the
problems associated with elections had been addressed, and that there would be little need for
election assistance in future. A few years later, elections are again seen as a looming problem,
requiring substantial international assistance merely to maintain gains previously achieved.
There are a number of factors that have led to this loss of confidence.

The Challenges of Democratic Transition and Consolidation: A Global Discourse.According

to Freedom House, 122 of the world’s 193 countries can now be classified as electoral
democracies,11 a significant progress achieved over a relatively short period of half a
century. What is remarkable about this achievement is that the majority of these countries
belong to the South. The spread of democracy, defined in terms of holding free and fair
elections, had been welcomed and celebrated by many, including the citizens of these new
democracies who wait patiently in long lines to vote every four to five years to elect their
rulers. Adam Prezworski argues that at the very least these elections offer a peaceful way to
change governments.

The Challenge of Establishing the Rule of Law.Bangladesh formulated a constitution within a

year of its independence in 1972, adopting a parliamentary form of democratic government
with multiple parties and fundamental freedoms. However, within three years the country fell
under a military rule in 1975 which continued for the next 15 years. Under military rule, the
constitution was abrogated, fundamental rights were curtailed, the judiciary was controlled
and the state machinery was used to consolidate and sustain two successive military regimes.
It was hoped that the return to democracy in 1991 would lead to the establishment of the rule
of law in the country.

The Challenge of Guaranteeing Civil Liberties and Fundamental Freedoms.The Bangladesh

constitution guarantees fundamental rights and civil liberties.75 Political, cultural, and
religious freedoms for all groups are permitted. All citizens are recognised as equal
irrespective of their ethnicity, gender, and religion.
Recommendations:

In this study the role of political parties towards democracy have been examined. As a result,
the problems of peoples participation in democratic process and the legitimacy problems of
government in Bangladesh have been analyzed too. Finally the following recommendations
may be suggested to improve the situation:

1)The party in power should play a positive role both within and outside the parliament. The
ruling party must possess a liberal attitude towards other political parties. This positive
attitude of ruling party can play an important role to institutionalize democracy.

2)Opposition parties should stop the practice of boycotting the parliament.

3)Opposition political parties need to play a fair role within the parliament to scrutinize and
critique the government.

4)Democratic values should be maintained at every stage of political parties from top to
bottom. In addition, party can play a noble role for teaching and practicing democracy.

5) The first role of the political parties is to get registered with the election commission to
participate in the polls. It is mandatory for all parties. During the registration process, they
need to submit the constitution of their respective party, their election manifesto, regulations
of the party, party's logo and flag, party's source of funds and furnish some other information.

6) Most importantly, the parties must disclose their ideology through submitting its
constitution and manifesto. We cannot allow any party with extremist ideology to do politics
in Bangladesh. No party working against the sovereignty and constitution of Bangladesh
should be registered with the Election Commission (EC).

7) Political parties need to ensure free, fair and credible elections so to ensure democratic
governance in Bangladesh as emphasized in our constitution.
Conclusion :

Political party led the democratic movements of the country. After the restoration of electoral
democracy in 1991 they feel short in institutionalizing democracy, promoting good
governance and practicing democracy within their own organizations. Mainstream electoral
parties tended to remain pre-occupied with the mission of capturing state power with the goal
of expanding their support base through patronage distribution. Political parties are a special
form of social organization. They should not be confused with associations, federations and
social clubs. A well-known definition of political parties comes from the American political
scientist Antony Downs, who wrote “ A political party is a team of men seeking to control the
governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election”. The Italian scholar
Giovanni Sartori, who has lectured for a long time at the Columbia University in New York
and is internationally one of the most well known researchers on political parties, defined a
party as: “ any political group identified by an official label that presents at elections, and is
capable of placing through election, candidates for public office”.

Parties can therefore be understood as permanent associations of citizens that are based on
free membership and a programme, and which are anxious to occupy through the path of
elections, the politically decisive positions of the country with their team of leaders, in order
to materialize suggestions for resolving outstanding problems. The means of elections implies
the competition of at least two parties.

The only focus of all political parties has to concern with people's welfare. They must raise
their voice on each and every people's issue if they want the support of the people in the
election. People will not vote for them to handover the crown unless they serve their
interest.In a democratic government, it is the duty of the political parties to ensure good
governance through constructive criticism of the policies and decisions of the government.
Only through performing their duties properly, sustainable democracy can be established in
Bangladesh. Hence, we, as people, expect our political parties to realize and perform their
roles with sincerity and honesty for welfare of the people.
References:

1)Mst. Quamrun Nahar,Social Science Journal, No. 21, 2017, University of Rajshahi,
Bangladesh,

URL: http://www.ru.ac.bd/socialsc/wp-content/uploads/sites/69/2018/08/5.-
Qumrunnaher-Ok-77-86.pdf

2)Political party

URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_party#:~:text=In%20politics%2C%20a
%20political%20party,thereby%20implement%20the%20party's%20agenda.

3)Politics

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics

4) Mir Mosharref Hossain Pakbir,Role of political parties in democratic governance,The

daily observer,Published : Tuesday, 2 January, 2018

URL: https://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=114409

5)Democracy

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy

6) Strengthening Democracy in Bangladesh

URL: https://asiafoundation.org/resources/pdfs/OccasionalPaperNo11FINAL.pdf

7) ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY, Published

Time: November 20, 2016, 10:14 am,Updated Time: November 20, 2016 at 4:26 pm

URL: http://www.ourtimebd.com/beta/2016/11/20/role-of-political-parties-in-parliamentary-
democracy/

8) The Challenges of Institutionalising Democracy in Bangladesh, Rownak Jahan,2016

URL: https://nobinkontho.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/373/