Political parties face several significant challenges that impact their democratic functioning:
- Lack of Internal Democracy : Many parties concentrate power in the hands of a few top leaders, often without maintaining proper membership registers, holding regular organizational meetings, or conducting internal elections. Ordinary members have limited access to information and little influence over decisions
- Dynastic Succession : Due to opaque and non-transparent functioning procedures, leadership positions tend to be dominated by members of a single family, limiting opportunities for ordinary party workers to rise. This undermines fairness and democratic values within parties
- Influence of Money and Muscle Power : Parties often prioritize winning elections by nominating candidates who can raise substantial funds or have strong local influence, sometimes including those with criminal backgrounds. This focus on financial and coercive power distorts candidate selection and policy decisions
- Lack of Meaningful Choice for Voters : Many parties offer little ideological difference, leading to a situation where voters face similar choices regardless of party. Leaders frequently shift between parties, reducing genuine alternatives and weakening democratic competition
- Additional Challenges : Other issues include the defection of elected representatives for personal gain, the high cost and complexity of fundraising (especially at local levels), and the influence of special interest groups and lobbyists, which can further erode public trust in parties
These challenges collectively hinder political parties from effectively representing citizens and fulfilling their democratic roles, calling for reforms such as stricter internal democracy, transparency, regulation of funding, and measures to curb corruption and undue influence
