Citizens have needs and interests that they expect governments to address. According to the National democratic institute (NDI), elections provide voters the opportunity to choose among political parties offering distinct proposals for addressing societal needs. Through their efforts to control and influence public policy, political parties play an intermediary role linking citizens to their representatives, and serving as the primary channel for holding the government accountable for its performance. Applying a multiparty system gives a chance and choice for citizens to elect their representatives, and for all the regional and local parties to get a fair chance to win elections.
If there are more parties, more opinions are taken into consideration, noted International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). In this regard, Ethiopia’s transition to democracy will give a chance for political parties to voice the concerns of the people; hence this will give Ethiopians to be able to participate in the political system of their country.
As to IDEA, strong and sustainable democracy is dependent on the existence of well-functioning political parties. Political parties are also crucial actors in bringing together diverse interests, recruiting and presenting candidates, and developing competing policy proposals that provide people with a choice. In a democracy there is no substitute for open competition between political parties in elections.
“In multiple party systems, there are many types of ideologies and there is no rigid discipline among the parties. In this way, because of the freedom of the views, the nation is not divided into two rival groups. All shades of opinions get representation in the parliament and views of all the classes are heard in the house. Moreover, parliament doesn’t become a puppet in the hands of cabinet. The chances of cabinet dictatorship are also minimized,” IDEA emphasized.
In the time of transition, Ethiopia has to put in place effective legal instruments for effective functioning of political parties. The legal provisions that regulate parties should cover the founding of parties, their registration and internal functioning, the rules and regulations for contesting elections, the conduct of election campaigns and the organizations that monitor the conduct of parties.
Organizational structures of the parties and the way in which they actually function should be also analyzed carefully. Addressing a serious gap in existing knowledge regarding the external political party regulatory environment, party structures and internal organization, and policy and program development is essential to develop the culture of multiparty system. The process of multiparty development whereby political parties formulate and seek to implement their proposals for governmental actions is central to the healthy functioning of a representative democracy.
Herald February 28/2019
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
