ADVANTAGES OF INTERNAL DEMOCRACY
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Internal democracy for political parties
have many advantages over the current system:
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1. As party members decide candidates, political fiefdoms
will no longer exist |
As matters stand, many political parties
are little more than political fiefdoms, where autocratic
leaders reward sycophancy and punish potential opponents.
Under our proposed model, the central leadership of the party
will no longer be able to nominate candidates, and a culture
of patronage will diminish.
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2. Honest and competent candidates will be able to win nomination |
Because the decision over candidates will
be put in the hands of general members of the party, candidates
will finally be chosen on the basis of merit rather than political
favours. Thus, honest and competent candidates will finally
get nominated.
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3. Political dynasties will vanish |
As the decision over nominating candidates
will be based on merit, political dynasties will vanish. It
will not longer be possible for central leadership to jealously
guard its power by 'chopping down' potential rivals to leadership.
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4. Party procedures would be fairer, more transparent and
more efficient |
Parties currently operate under a cloak of
secrecy, preventing scrutiny of internal processes and allowing
procedures to be manipulated at the behest of central leadership.
Our proposal will result in a fairer, more open and ultimately
more efficient set of procedures for political parties to
follow. Membership would be available to all Indian citizens.
Appeals from decisions to expel members would be heard by
an independent Electoral commission. Selection of candidates
for the post of office-bearers and public offices would be
by secret ballot. Legitimate debate and dissent would be encouraged.
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5. Ultimately, the political process will gain legitimacy |
Once every party introduces an internal democracy,
the overall quality of candidates contesting elections will
rise dramatically. Central leadership of parties will no longer
be entrenched, allowing parties to rejuvenate their policies
and focus on issues-based (rather than personality-based)
political platforms. Open and transparent procedures, subject
to the scrutiny of an independent Electoral Commission, will
ensure that parties operate in a more cohesive and predictable
manner. The ultimate effect of all of these improvements will
be that the overall political process will be enhanced.
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