why is political parties important in a democracy?
First, political parties develop policies and programmes. This is the content side of their responsibility. It ensures that there are different choices in the political marketplace – not only in terms of candidates but also in terms of ideas. Once in government, a party can start implementing these ideas.
Second, parties pick up demands from society and bundle them into packages. Demands are numerous and sometimes conflicting. Parties are able to discuss and evaluate these issues and shape human needs into policy alternatives. In so doing they are an important part of the political process.
Third, parties are the main vehicles for recruiting and selecting people for government and legislative office. Although they are often criticized for filling posts with their own people, this is what they are supposed to do: high level public positions, that is, those considered political rather then technical, need to be filled somehow and parties provide a responsible vehicle for that.
Fourth, parties either oversee or control government depending on whether they are in government or opposition.