QUES . What is the significance of Inner Party Democracy in political parties ? How could it be ensured in our political system? UPSC IES/ISS EXAM 2018 General Studies. 200 Words. 5 Marks

HINTS:

What is Inner-Party or Intra-party democracy?

Theoretically, democracy is safeguarded by its two offshoots: procedural democracy and substantive democracy.

While procedural democracy covers all aspects intrinsic to the “practice” of democracy : universal adult franchise, periodic elections, principle of secret ballot etc.; substantive democracy is the “core set of beliefs” crucial in a well functioning democracy and includes intra-party or inner party democracy.

Intra-party democracy then refers to simply establishing a set of rules within political parties which promotes a bottom up approach to decision making. It does so while ensuring an effective distribution of power amongst the party functionaries to enable inclusivity and participation of diverse persons.

Intra-party democracy involves the participation of party members in electing party leaders, deciding party policies, and selecting candidates for public office. It ensures transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness within the party’s structure and operations.

What is the significance of Inner-Party Democracy?

Political parties in India are essentially regarded as representatives of the people, for the people and by the people. Ensuring fair and transparent internal functioning of parties ensures that democracy functions with the people too since Indians’ perception of politics is so closely tied to one’s perception of party politics.

Promotes Transparency and Counters Trust Deficit:

Democratic processes within parties help in making decision-making transparent and leaders accountable to their members.

Inner-party democracy enhances the ‘visibility’ of fair and transparent procedures in selecting leaders within political parties which counters a general trust deficit amongst the public.

Increases Participation:

It encourages the active involvement of party members in the party’s direction and policy decisions, enhancing a sense of ownership and commitment.

Improves Candidate Selection and Inclusive representation:

Through democratic selection processes, parties can field candidates who are more representative of the party’s base and potentially more appealing to the general electorate.

The opaque nature of selecting party candidates also runs the risk of excluding marginalised groups. Dalits and other underprivileged sections too remain underrepresented and thus excluded from decision making and power structures in Indian society.

Prevents Authoritarianism and Blind Hero Worship:

It helps prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few, reducing the risk of authoritarian practices within the party.

In the absence of inner-party democracy, parties often tend to be centred around charismatic figures which can foster blind hero worship as one individual becomes central to the power, vision, and authority in the party’s agenda. 

Safeguard against dynastic politics:

Intra-party democracy is also integral for promoting freedom of speech and dissent within the political parties.

Strengthens Democracy:

By fostering democratic practices within parties, the overall democratic fabric of the society is strengthened, contributing to the stability and integrity of the political system.

Acts as a Check on Criminalisation of Politics:

The transparency deficit in selecting candidates within political parties becomes a breeding ground for criminalisation in Indian politics.

With candidatures based on the whims of certain political heads, mere winnability becomes the sole criterion for fielding certain candidates during elections, as those with significant money and muscle power can easily indulge in gerrymandering of the voter base.

Counters factionalism:

Democratising political parties can also work as a safety valve against factionalism and splits in parties.

What is the current politico-legal framework for inner-party democracy in India?

Presently, there is no statutory backing for internal democratic regulation of political parties in India and the only governing provision is under Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples’ Act, 1951 which entails registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India. However, the ECI’s power to require parties to hold regular internal elections for office bearers and candidate selection is compromised in the absence of any penal provisions.

Reports from the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission, the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution and the Law Commission have both recommended introducing statutes to enforce internal democracy for political parties.

Challenges to Implementing Inner-Party Democracy

Resistance from Established Leadership and Dynasty politics:

Incumbent leaders and dynasty politics may resist democratic reforms that could dilute their control over the party.

Personality cult:

Hero worship often leads to leaders taking control of parties, eroding intra party democracy.

Lack of Awareness and Education:

Party members may not be sufficiently informed or educated about their rights and the importance of their participation in party processes.

Centralised structure of Political Parties:

Existing party structures and regulations may not support democratic practices, requiring significant overhaul.

Potential for Factionalism:

Increased democratization can sometimes lead to factionalism within the party, potentially affecting its unity and electoral prospects.

Lack of Law:

There is a lack of law which explicitly contains internal democratic regulations for the political parties

Steps Towards Enhancing Inner-Party Democracy

Implementing and sustaining inner-party democracy, requires concerted efforts from political parties, regulatory authorities, and civil society to overcome existing challenges and promote democratic ideals.

Enforcing Regulations and Enacting Law to Mandatory Elections:

Implementing statutory regulations that mandate democratic practices within parties, such as regular elections for leadership positions and transparent candidate selection processes.

The political parties must be obligated to conduct elections at all levels, with national and state-level elections overseen by observers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Capacity Building:

Educating party members about democratic rights and processes to ensure informed and meaningful participation.

Penalties for non compliance and Incentives for Compliance:

The Election Commission could offer incentives for parties that demonstrate robust inner-party democracy, alongside penalties for non-compliance.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Establishing mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of democratic practices within parties and evaluating their effectiveness.

Conclusion

Political parties don’t have to be homogeneous in terms of both ideas and leadership. Political parties are aggregations of interests, so, there are going to be differences within. Inner-party democracy is crucial for the health and functionality of a democratic political system. By ensuring that political parties operate democratically, the broader democratic process is reinforced, leading to a more accountable, transparent, and representative governance structure.

External link: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-plumbing-of-inner-party-democracy/article66018176.ece