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Question
Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
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Solution
Suggestions to reform political parties are:
- Regulate the internal affairs of political parties: In most parts of the world, ideological distinctions between parties have shrunk in recent years. In our country, too, the distinctions between all of the major parties on economic policies have reduced. People have little choice because the same set of leaders is constantly switching from one party to another.
- Representation of women candidates: Parties should be asked to nominate female candidates for at least one-third of all seats in elections.
- State funding of elections: To limit money power, elections should be state-funded, meaning that the government should provide funds to parties to cover election expenses. This support could be given in the form of fuel, paper, or a telephone.
- Pressure by people: Ordinary people, the media, and movements can all play a significant role in pressuring parties to implement reforms in their business.
- Active Participation: People should join political parties in large numbers in order to strengthen the functioning of political parties as members. It is simpler to restructure a party from within than from the outside.
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