February 27, 2011

Should India move to a bi-party system from a multi-party system?

A multi party electoral system consists of different political parties competing with different ideologies. This is the system being followed in India. On the contrary, many of the developed countries follow a bi-party system where only the two largest and well-organized parties see recurring success.
A bi-party system is helpful for the state to mature. It is more predictable and hence more stable. The participants have a collective consensus for development of the state as a whole, whereas in a multi-party system, the parties are more interested in achieving their petty objectives. Even the voter is spared from the chaos from the confusing alliances of a coalition government.
We have been experiencing multiparty coalitions from the last two general elections. These governments have been unstable. Small parties with narrow ideologies force major parties to help them in exchange for their support. This is very unhealthy for an economy like India. India has been witnessing phenomenal economic and social transformation where the government has to make quick decisions. In a multi party system, arriving at a consensus and making quick decisions has become difficult.
Thus, a bi-party system is a logical development of multiparty system where both parties have broad-based support and are moderate in their approach towards sustainable development.


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