The Multiparty System: The Elements Of Democratic Governance

Introduction

Many political pundits accept that political parties are necessary ingredients of democratic governance. Within this framework, many scholars agree that political parties are the principal agents of democratic consolidation because they are the key players shaping democracy’s emergence (Pridham, 1990: 29). Similarly, “party system institutionalization has been widely viewed as a requisite for the consolidation of democracy” (Kuenzi and Lambright, 2005: 423). However, scholars disagree on the effects of different party system characteristics on democracy. For example, some scholars contend that multiparty system increase the quality of democracy in a country by enhancing the representation of different groups, and by increasing the choices before voters. On the other side, some scholars argue that multiparty system undermine governmental

To some scholars, economic development is crucial determinant of PSI in emerging democracies. Low economic growth in new democracies can hinder the success of the party in power, which in turn, could exacerbate instability and electoral volatility, as other parties and voters hold incumbents responsible for the current economic crisis. On the other hand, some scholars argue that the institutional framework under which a party system develops can either promote or hinder development. These scholars argue that proportional representation system strengthen the party system more than majoritarian systems do. Proportional representation systems reinforce parties, party leaders distribute party tickets and parties have control over whose name appears on the party list. Croissant and Volkel (2012) highlighted that party systems with proportional representation strengthen parties and voters, and are more conducive to