Question

What is a multi-party system? Explain merits and demerits of multi-party System.

Answer 1

Multiparty system:

If several parties compete for power and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others, we call it a multi-party system.

Merits:

(i) This system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.

(ii) People can make a choice between several candidates.

Demerits:

(i) No one party is likely to gain power alone. Therefore, it leads to difficulty in formation of government.

(ii) Leads to political instability and often appears to be very messy.

Answer 2

Multi-party systems are those systems in which more than two parties are elected and represented at the public office.

Merits of a Multi-Party System

• In a democratic system, a multi-party system allows citizens to have multiple opportunities.

• Multi-party systems gives rise to a peaceful political system where multiple parties are in line to take charge of the government. this helps in reducing bad political games in the name of power.

• Minority groups are taken care of in the country due to different parties representing different groups of people.
• There is open criticism on policies and structures which helps in better governance.

Demerits of a Multi-Party System

• In case of the existence of a multi party, sometimes no party is allowed to come into power due to contradictions between them which leads to difficulty in formation of government.
• Multiple parties would need a bigger chunk to operate from the government funds. That would hit the country treasure.
• It leads to division in the nation where different groups support different parties. This sometimes gives rise to unhealthy circumstances.
• The ultimate goal changes from serving the nation to gaining power before the other.