(i) We cannot think modern democracies without political parties. In case there are no political parties every candidate in the elections will be independent, no one will be able to make any promises to the people about any major policy changes. The government may be formed, but its utility will remain ever uncertain.
(ii) Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency for what they do in the locality. But, no one will be responsible for how the country will run. Just look at the non-party based elections to the Panchayats in many states. Although, the parties do not contest formally, it is generally noticed that the village gets split into more than one faction, each of which puts up a ‘panel’ of its candidates. This is why we find political parties in almost all countries of the world.
(iii) Political parties agree on policies and programmes to promote collective good and influence people to know why their policy is better than others. They try to implement the policies by winning popular support through elections. They reflect fundamental division in a society.
(iv) The absense of political parties would affect a democracy badly. The interest of all the people would not reach the parliament and therefore some sections of people would remain behind the mainstream. They won’t get all the welfare measures.
