4 Political Parties

CHAPTER

Level - 1 CORE SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)
1. Option (C) is correct the public can vote them out in the next election.
Explanation: India is a diverse country with Elections serve as a mechanism for accountability,
multiple languages, cultures, and regional ensuring that parties work in the interest of the
identities. Many political parties have emerged people.
to represent the interests of specific linguistic, 5. Option (D) is correct
regional, and cultural groups. Explanation: The Election Commission of India
2. Option (B) is correct has introduced several reforms to make political
Explanation: In some countries, power usually parties more transparent and democratic. It is
changes between two main parties. Several other mandatory for all registered political parties to
parties may exist, contest elections and win a conduct regular internal (organisational) elections
few seats in the national legislatures. But only to ensure democratic functioning and file income
the two main parties have a serious chance of tax returns to maintain financial transparency
winning majority of seats to form government. and reduce black money in politics.
Such a party system is called two-party system. 6. Option (C) is correct
The United States of America and the United Explanation: The Supreme Court of India has
Kingdom are examples of two-party system. passed several orders to bring transparency and
3. Option (D) is correct. accountability in elections. One key reform is that
Explanation: China has a one-party system candidates must submit an affidavit disclosing
dominated by the Communist Party of China criminal records (if any), financial assets and
(CPC). Other political parties exist, but they liabilities, Educational qualifications. This helps
function under the leadership and control of voters make informed choices and promotes
the CPC and do not challenge its authority. This cleaner politics by discouraging criminal elements
makes China a one-party state. from entering elections.
The other options: 7. Option (A) is correct
(A) United States of America: Has a two-party Explanation: Political parties are essential for
system dominated by the Democratic Party a democracy because they represent people’s
and the Republican Party. interestsand different ideologies, contest elections
(B) United Kingdom: Functions as a multi-party and form governments, provide policy alternatives
system, although it is often dominated by the and hold the government accountable. Without
Conservative and Labour Parties. political parties, democracy would struggle to
(C) 
India: Has a multi-party system with function as there would be no organised way to
numerous national and regional political represent public opinion.
parties. 8. Option (D) is correct
4. Option (D) is correct Explanation: The formation of the government is
Explanation: Political parties are accountable to done by the elected political parties which have
the public because they rely on voter support the required majority for the formation of the
in elections. If a party fails to fulfil its promises, government.
 MATCH THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1. Option (B) is correct 2. Option (A) is correct
Explanation: A political party is a group of people Explanation: Communalism involves the belief
coming together to contest elections and hold that religion is the principal basis of social
power in government. The function of political community. Secularism constitutes one of the
parties is agreeing on policies and programmes foundations of a nation, as it ensures equality and
to promote the collective good of society. The prohibits discrimination on religious grounds.
perception of political parties by citizens is Combating caste inequalities involves countering
highlighting criticism and blame directed towards communal prejudices and propaganda, as caste
them for problems in democracy and political discrimination is a form of social division. Political
life. On the evolution and prevalence of political parties in democracies are groups contesting
parties, noting their increased presence and elections and holding power in government.
significance in democracies worldwide over time.

ASSERTION-REASON QUESTIONS
1. Option (B) is correct effectively, as they ensure public participation
Explanation: Political parties are essential and accountability.
in a democracy as they organise elections, Elections give citizens the right to vote, enabling
represent different ideologies and interests, them to be a part of the decision-making process.
form governments and provide governance. They encourage political awareness, activism,
Without political parties, democracy would be and representation of different social groups.
unstable and disorganised because independent Thus, both assertion and reason are true and
candidates would lack a structured way to govern reason correctly explains the assertion.
effectively. In the absence of political parties, 4. Option (C) is correct
representatives would act only in local interests
Explanation: Political parties are essential for
without considering national policies. Political
democracy as they contest elections, form
parties ensure that representatives balance local
governments, and represent people’s interests.
and national responsibilities, helping democracy
However, the media’s role is to inform and
function smoothly.
influence public opinion, not to create political
2. Option (A) is correct parties. While media coverage can impact a
Explanation: India follows a multi-party system party’s popularity, it does not form or establish
due to its large population, social diversity, and political parties.
regional variations. Several national and regional 5. Option (A) is correct
parties exist to represent different sections of
Explanation: Political parties worldwide,
society.
including in India, face challenges such as
India is a diverse country with multiple corruption, lack of internal democracy, dynastic
languages, religions, and regions. A multi- politics, and declining public trust. Many people
party system ensures that different groups have believe that parties do not fully represent their
political representation, helping maintain stability interests, leading to a crisis of credibility.
and unity.
Many political parties have lost public trust due
Thus, both assertion and reason are true and to broken promises and lack of transparency.
reason correctly explains the assertion. Voter apathy and distrust in politicians have
3. Option (A) is correct grown, making citizens less engaged with parties.
Explanation: Elections are a fundamental This lack of public faith contributes to the crisis
feature of democracy, allowing people to political parties face, making the reason a valid
choose their representatives and government. explanation for the assertion.
Without elections, democracy cannot function

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. (i) Every party in the country has to register Election Commission for this purpose.
with the Election Commission. (iv) 
The Election Commission has laid down
(ii)  Parties are given a unique symbol by the detailed criteria of the proportion of votes
commission. and seats that a party must get in order to be
(iii) Parties that get this privilege and some a recognised party. (Any two)
other special facilities are ‘recognised’ by the
 2. (i)  Parties shape public opinion through 4. (i)
reedom of Speech and Expression: Party
F
different sources. workers may face restrictions on voicing
(ii)  They raise and highlight issues of public their opinions, ideas, or concerns within the
interests and nation’s development. party structure.
(iii) Parties have lakhs of members and activists (ii)  Right to Equality of Opportunity: Not
spread all over the country to cater the everyone would get an equal chance to
interests of society. climb up the success ladder.
(iv)  Many of the pressure groups are the 5. Yes, because despite a religiously homogenous
extensions of political parties among population, having multiple political parties helps
different sections of society. represent diverse political perspectives, helps in
(v) Parties sometimes also launch movements for policy formation, helps avoid authoritarianism,
the resolution of problems faced by people. provides an alternative to the voters.
Often opinions in the society crystallise on 6. The three components of political parties are:
the lines parties take. (Any two) (i) Leaders: The leaders are those who take
3. (i)  In some countries, power usually changes major decisions of the party and their
between two main parties. Several other decisions are the supreme command for the
parties may exist, contest elections and win party.
a few seats in the national legislatures. (ii) Active Members: Another component of
(ii) But only the two main parties have a serious political party are the active members who
chance of winning majority of seats to contest elections for the party and are elected
form government. Such a party system is as representatives.
called two-party system. The United States Followers: The last one are the followers
(iii) 
of America and the United Kingdom are who support a political party and in elections
examples of two-party system. make their party victorious.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. (i) Political parties exercise political power and (iv) 
Parties sometimes also launch movements
form government. for the resolution of problems faced by
(ii) Parties contest election. people.
(iii)  Parties put forward different policies and (v) 
Opinions in the society crystallise on the
programmes. lines parties take. (Any three)
(iv) Parties play a decisive role in making laws 4. (i) Lack of internal democracy.
for the country. (ii) 
Political parties do not conduct regular
(v) Parties play the role of opposition. internal election and do not hold meetings.
(vi) Parties shape public opinion. (iii) Dynastic succession.
(vii) Parties provide people access to government (iv) Money and muscle power.
machinery and welfare schemes, (v) 
They do not seem to offer a meaningful
implemented by government. (Any three) choice to the voters. (Any three)
2. (i) Political parties run and form government.
5. The role of money and muscle power among
(ii) Political parties put forward different policies political parties can be exhibited as follows:
and programs and the voters choose from
(i) Since parties are focused only on winning
them.
elections, they tend to use short-cuts to win
(iii) Political parties play a decisive role in making
elections.
laws for a country.
(ii) 
They tend to nominate those candidates
(iv) Political parties play the role of opposition.
who have or can raise lots of money.
(v) Political parties shape the public opinion.
(iii) Rich people and companies who give funds
(vi) Parties provide people access to government
to the parties tends to have an influence on
machinery and welfare schemes
the policies and decisions of the party.
implemented by governments. (Any three)
3. (i) Political parties raise and highlight issues. (iv) In some cases, parties support criminals who
(ii) Parties have lakhs of members and activists can win elections.
spread all over the country. (v) 
Democrats all over the world are worried
(iii)  Many of the pressure groups are the about the increasing role of rich people and
extensions of political parties among big companies in democratic politics.
different sections of society.  (Any three)
 6. If several parties compete for power and more (i) There is social and geographical diversity in
than two parties have a reasonable chance of India.
coming to power either on their strength or in (ii) India is such a large country, which is not
Alliance with others, it is called a multi-party easily absorbed by two or three parties.
system. (iii) The system allows a variety of interests and
India adopted a multi-party system because: opinions to enjoy political representation.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. 
In a democratic set-up, political parties are or can raise lots of money. Rich people and
required because without political parties: companies who give funds to the political
(i)  Every candidate in the elections will be parties tend to have influence on the policies
independent. No promises could be made, and decisions of the party.
and the utility of the government formed (iv) The fourth challenge is that very often
will remain uncertain. parties do not seem to offer a meaningful
(ii) No one will be responsible for running the choice to the voters. To offer meaningful
country. Elected representatives will only be choice, parties must be significantly different.
accountable to their constituency. In recent years there has been a decline in
(iii) 
There will be no agency to gather and the ideological differences among parties
present different views on various issues to in most parts of world. For example- The
the government. difference between the Labour Party and the
(iv) No one will be responsible for bringing Conservative Party in Britain is very little.
various representatives together to form a They agree on more fundamental aspects
responsible government. but differ only in details on how policies are
(v) There will be no mechanism to support the to be framed and implemented.
government, make policies and justify or (v) Not much difference between the leaders as
oppose them. well. They keep shifting from one party to
2. (i) The first challenge is lack of internal another.
democracy within parties. All over the 3. The major functions of Political parties are:
world, there is a tendency in political parties (i) Contesting Elections: Political parties
towards the concentration of power in one nominate candidates to contest elections and
or few leaders at the top. Parties do not compete for power. They campaign to gain
keep membership registers, do not hold public support.
organisational meetings, and do not conduct (ii)  Forming and Running Governments: The
internal elections regularly. Ordinary party that wins the majority in elections
members of the party do not get sufficient forms the government and makes policies to
information on what happens inside the govern the country.
party. They do not have the means, or (iii) Providing Opposition: Parties that do not
the connections needed to influence the win the elections act as opposition, criticising
decisions. the government’s policies and holding it
(ii) The second challenge of dynastic succession accountable.
is related to the first one. Since most political (iv) Shaping Public Opinion: Political parties
parties do not practise open and transparent raise awareness on various issues and
procedures for their functioning, there are influence public opinion through speeches,
campaigns, and media interactions.
very few ways for an ordinary worker to
rise to the top in a party. Those who happen (v)  Link Between Government and People:
Parties convey the needs and demands
to be the leaders are in a position of unfair
of people to the government and help in
advantage to favour people close to them or
addressing public concerns.
even their family members. In many parties,
4. If several parties compete for power, and more
the top positions are always controlled by
than two parties have a reasonable chance of
members of one family.
coming to power either on their own strength
(iii) 
The third challenge is about the growing or in alliance with others, we call it a multi-party
role of money and muscle power in parties, system.
especially during elections. Since parties are Merits:
focussed only on winning elections, they
(i) This system allows a variety of interests and
tend to use shortcuts to win elections. They
opinions to enjoy political representation.
tend to nominate those candidates who have
(ii) More choice with the voters.
 Demerits: democracies. As societies became large and
(i) The multi-party system often appears very complex, they also needed some agency to
messy. gather different views on various issues and
(ii) Sometimes it leads to political instability. to present these to the government and
5. Political party is a group of people who come to bring various representatives together
together to contest elections and hold power in so that a responsible government could
the government. be formed. They needed a mechanism to
Challenges faced by political parties: support or restrain the government, make
(i) Lack of internal democracy within parties. policies, justify or oppose them.
(ii)  Political parties do not conduct regular (v) Political parties fulfil these needs that every
internal elections and do not hold meetings. representative government has. We can say
(iii) Dynastic succession. that parties are a necessary condition for a
(iv) Growing role of money and muscle power in democracy.
parties. 7. One sees several parties compete for power, and
(v) Lack of meaningful choice to the voters. when more than two parties have a reasonable
6. Modern democracies cannot exist without chance of coming to power either on their own
political parties. We can understand the necessity strength or in alliance with others, we call it a
of political parties by imagining a situation multiparty system. Thus in India, we have a
without parties. multi-party system.
(i)  Every candidate in the elections will be (i)  In this system, the government is formed
independent. So no one will be able to make by various parties coming together in a
any promises to the people about any major coalition.
policy changes.
(ii) When several parties in a multi-party system
(ii)  The government may be formed, but its
join hands for the purpose of contesting
utility will remain ever uncertain. Elected
elections and winning power, it is called
representatives will be accountable to their
constituency for what they do in the locality. an alliance or a front. For example, in India
But no one will be responsible for how the there were three such major alliances in
country will be run. 2004 parliamentary elections– the National
(iii) By looking at the non-party based elections to Democratic Alliance, the United Progressive
the panchayat in many states. Although the Alliance and the Left Front.
parties do not contest formally, it is generally (iii) The multi-party system often appears very
noticed that the village gets split into more messy and leads to political instability. At
than one faction, each of which puts up a the same time, this system allows a variety
‘panel’ of its candidates. This is exactly what of interests and opinions to enjoy political
the party does. That is the reason we find representation.
political parties in almost all countries of the (iv)  India has evolved a multi-party system
world, whether these countries are big or because the social and geographical diversity
small, old or new, developed or developing. in such a large country is not easily absorbed
(iv)  The rise of political parties is directly by two or even three parties. No system is
linked to the emergence of representative ideal for all countries and all situations.

Level - 2 ADVANCED COMPETENCY FOCUSED QUESTIONS

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)
1. Option (C) is correct and cultural diversity. It enhances democratic
Explanation: Political parties are crucial in a participation by allowing citizens to choose
democracy because they contest elections, form representatives that align with their regional,
governments, shape public opinion, frame ideological, or community interests.
policies and legislation, and act as a link between 3. Option (C) is correct
the government and the people This shows that Explanation: National political parties are those
they play a central role in democratic governance that have a presence in multiple states, are
and the smooth functioning of political processes. recognised by the Election Commission as national
2. Option (B) is correct based on certain criteria (like performance in Lok
Explanation: India’s multi-party system allows Sabha and Assembly elections), focus on national
several national and regional parties to compete issues and interests, not just regional concerns,
in elections. This ensures that voters have a wide and work to form or influence policies that affect
range of choices, reflecting the country’s social the entire country.
 4. Option (D) is correct 5. Option (B) is correct
Explanation: Issues like dynastic succession Explanation: Regional parties represent the
and lack of internal democracy show that many interests of specific states or regions, addressing
political parties do not conduct regular internal local needs and cultural identities. They play
elections, are controlled by a few powerful a crucial role in Indian federalism by ensuring
individuals or families, lack transparency in that regional voices are heard in both state and
decision-making and candidate selection. These national governance. In coalition governments,
problems indicate a need for reform to make they often have influence in national decision-
parties more accountable, transparent, and making, promoting a balance between national
democratic. and regional interests.

ASSERTION-REASON QUESTIONS
1. Option (C) is correct 3. Option (C) is correct
Explanation: Assertion is true because dynastic Explanation: Assertion is true as India indeed
succession means leadership is handed over follows a multi-party system where multiple
within a family, regardless of merit, which national and regional parties compete in elections.
goes against the democratic principle of equal Reason is false because the statement describes
opportunity. a two-party system, not a multi-party system.
Reason is false because dynastic politics often In a multi-party system, more than two parties
ignores merit and public opinion, favouring have a significant chance of gaining power, either
family ties over competence. independently or through alliances.
2. Option (A) is correct 4. Option (A) is correct
Explanation: Assertion is true because political Explanation: Assertion is true because regional
parties play a key role in the functioning of parties have become influential in both state
representative democracies by contesting and national politics, especially in coalition
elections, forming governments, and shaping governments.
policies. Reason is also true because regional parties focus
Reason is also true because parties provide on local issues, give voice to regional aspirations,
a structured platform for citizens to express and promote the federal character of India by
opinions, influence decisions, and engage in the balancing power between the Centre and states.
democratic process. Both assertion and reason are true and the reason
Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
is the correct explanation of assertion.

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Political parties are necessary for functioning of participation of members.
democracy because: The common shortcomings seen in Indian parties
(i) Political parties provide a platform for people are:
to participate in elections and public affairs, (i) Lack of regular internal elections, where top
allowing them to express their interests and leaders are chosen without fair voting.
influence government decisions. (ii)  Concentration of power in one family
(ii) They help in the formation of governments or a few individuals, leading to dynastic
succession.
and opposition, ensuring accountability,
smooth functioning of democracy, and 4. (i) Representation of Local Interests: Regional
parties focus on state-specific issues like
representation of diverse viewpoints.
language, culture, and development,
2. (i)  Wider Choice for Voters: The multi-party ensuring that local demands are addressed
system allows citizens to choose from a in the political process.
variety of national and regional parties,
(ii) Strengthening Federalism: They promote
representing diverse ideologies and interests.
power-sharing between the Centre and the
(ii)  Representation of Diverse Groups: It States, ensuring that the federal structure
ensures that different regions, communities, of India functions more effectively and
and social groups have a voice in governance, inclusively.
strengthening inclusive democracy.
5. (i) Mandatory Financial Disclosure: Political
3. Internal democracy means that a political parties should be required to publicly
party follows democratic principles within its disclose their sources of funding, including
organisation, such as regular internal elections, donations and expenditures, to ensure
transparency in decision-making, and equal transparency.
 (ii) Internal Elections and Leadership Rotation: family ties to reduce dynastic control and
Parties should conduct regular internal encourage democratic functioning within
elections and promote leadership beyond the party.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. (i) Contesting Elections: Political parties groups, giving voice to India’s pluralistic
nominate candidates and contest elections, society.
providing voters with choices and competing India is a vast country with multiple religions,
for public support. languages, regions, and castes. A multi-party
(ii)  Forming and Running Governments: The system ensures:
party (or coalition) that wins the majority (i)  Inclusive representation of different
forms the government and implements its communities.
policies and programmes. (ii) Local issues are addressed through regional
(iii) Shaping Public Opinion: Political parties parties.
raise and highlight public issues, conduct (iii) Strengthening of federalism and democratic
debates, and mobilise citizens around matters values by ensuring that governance is more
of national interest, thereby influencing balanced and participatory.
public opinion and policy decisions. 4. (i) Ensure Internal Democracy: Political parties
2. (i) Lack of Internal Democracy: Most political should conduct regular internal elections
parties do not conduct regular internal and promote transparent decision-making,
elections and are often dominated by a few giving equal opportunities to all members.
powerful leaders or families. (ii) Transparency in Funding: Parties should be
(ii) Dynastic Succession: Leadership is required to maintain and disclose audited
frequently passed on within families, accounts and declare the sources of their
limiting opportunities for capable leaders funds to reduce corruption and illegal
from outside the family to rise. donations.
(iii) Use of Money and Muscle Power: Many (iii) Reduce Dynastic Politics: Steps should be
parties rely on unaccounted money and taken to discourage dynastic succession by
criminal elements to win elections, affecting encouraging merit-based leadership and
free and fair democratic processes. giving opportunities to grassroots-level
3. The Features of India’s Multi-Party System are: workers.
(i) Presence of National and Regional Parties: 5. (i) Representation of Local Interests: Regional
India has both national parties (like the parties focus on state-specific issues,
Indian National Congress, BJP) and regional ensuring that the needs and aspirations of
parties (like DMK, TMC, BJD), which local people are addressed in governance.
represent specific states or communities. (ii) Promoting Federalism: They help in
(ii) Coalition Governments: Often, no single balancing power between the Centre and
party gains a majority, leading to coalition the States, thereby strengthening the federal
governments, especially at the Centre. This structure of India.
allows different parties to work together and (iii) 
Enhancing Political Participation: By
represent varied interests. representing regional identities and
(iii) Diverse Representation: The multi-party communities, they encourage broader
system allows for representation of diverse participation in politics and bring more
social, regional, cultural, and linguistic citizens into the democratic process.

CASE BASED QUESTIONS

1. (i) A political party is a group of people who Political parties fulfil the needs that every
come together to contest election and hold representative government has.
power in the government. 2. (i) 
The Election Commission treats all parties
(ii) Large societies need representative equally, it offers some special facilities to
democracy. Political parties give platform large and established parties.
to elect representatives and representatives (ii) 
Those parties which are given a unique
formed the government. symbol and only the official candidates of
(iii) Political parties bring various representatives that party can use that election symbol.
together so that a responsible government Parties that get this privilege and some
could be formed. They work as a mechanism other special facilities are recognised by the
to support or restrain the government, Election Commission and hence known as
make policies, justify, or oppose them. recognised political parties.
 (iii) A party that secures at least 6 per cent of process for selecting candidates to ensure
the total votes in the Lok Sabha elections or better leadership and public trust.
Assembly elections in four states and win at 4. (i) 
It shows that regional parties play a key
least four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognised role in forming governments, especially in
as a National Party. coalition politics, and represent local and
3. (i) 
Internal democracy ensures that party state-level issues, strengthening federalism.
decisions are made through consultation, (ii) It ensures that elections are conducted fairly
leaders are chosen transparently, and all and ethically, preventing misuse of power,
members have a voice, making the party money, and unfair practices by political
more accountable and responsive to the parties or candidates.
people.
(iii) (1) Concern: Excessive use of money in
(ii) Manifestos help voters understand a party’s elections
policies, promises, and priorities, allowing
Reform: Implement strict regulation of party
them to make informed choices during
funds and campaign spending, and audit
elections.
party finances.
(iii) (1) 
Regulation of Party Funding: Parties
(2) Concern: Lack of transparency in
should disclose their income sources
candidate selection
and expenditures to promote financial
Reform: Ensure internal democracy by
transparency and prevent misuse of
conducting transparent and democratic
money power.
procedures for selecting party candidates.
(2) Fair Candidate Selection: Parties should
adopt a transparent and merit-based

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Political parties perform the following major and regional diversity, giving voice to varied
functions in a democracy: communities and interests.
(i) Contesting Elections: Political parties (iii) Coalition Governments: When no single
nominate candidates to contest elections party gets a majority, parties come together
and campaign to gain public support, giving to form coalition governments, which
voters a choice of representatives. promotes consensus-based decision-making.
(ii)  Forming and Running Governments: The (iv) 
More Choices for Voters: Voters are not
party (or coalition) that wins the majority restricted to just two options; they can choose
forms the government and is responsible for from multiple parties based on ideologies,
policy-making and administration. performance, and regional relevance.
(iii)  Shaping Public Opinion: Parties raise (v) 
Encourages Political Competition: The
important public issues, conduct debates, presence of multiple parties promotes
and mobilise people, thereby helping in the
healthy competition, forcing parties to
formation of public opinion.
perform better and be more accountable to
(iv) Providing Access to Government the people.
Machinery: Political parties act as a bridge
The multi-party system in India enhances
between the government and the people,
participation, representation, and accountability.
allowing citizens to convey their needs and
It ensures that minority and regional voices are
complaints.
heard, thereby making the democracy more
(v)  Acting as Opposition: Parties that lose
inclusive and responsive to people’s needs.
elections act as a constructive opposition by
questioning the ruling party, highlighting 3. The measures to reform political parties in India are:
flaws, and preventing misuse of power. (i) Ensure Internal Democracy: Parties should
2. The features of India’s Multi-Party System are: conduct regular internal elections and allow
active participation of members in decision-
(i) Existence of National and Regional Parties:
making to reduce concentration of power.
India has both national parties (e.g., BJP, INC)
and regional parties (e.g., DMK, TMC) that (ii) 
Promote Transparency in Funding: Parties
address different levels of issues — national must declare sources of income and
and local. expenditure, and all donations above a
certain limit should be made public to curb
(ii) 
Representation of Diversity: The multi-
black money.
party system reflects India’s social, cultural,
 (iii) 
Discourage Dynastic Succession: Parties more tickets to women and minorities,
should adopt rules that limit family-based ensuring broader representation and
leadership and encourage promotion based inclusivity.
on merit and performance. These reforms would:
(iv) 
Fair Candidate Selection: Candidate (i) 
Increase transparency and public trust in
selection should be transparent and criteria- political parties.
based, ensuring that competent individuals, (ii) 
Promote greater accountability and
including women and marginalised groups, responsiveness to citizens.
get opportunities. (iii) Ensure equal opportunity for all, enhancing
(v) 
Encourage Women and Minority the democratic character of the political
Participation: Political parties should give system.