(a) Describe any three function of a political Party (b) State any three problems of political parties.

Answer Details

A political party is an organised group of people who share common political ideas and aims, and who come together to contest elections in order to win power and control the machinery of government.

(a) Three functions of a political party

1. Contesting elections and forming government: A party selects and sponsors candidates for elective offices and, when it wins, forms the government and runs the affairs of the state.
2. Political education and mobilisation: It educates and enlightens the citizens on political issues, mobilises them to participate in the political process, and shapes public opinion.
3. Serving as a link between the government and the people: It conveys the wishes, needs and grievances of the people to the government and explains government policies to the people.
4. Providing opposition and checking government: Parties out of power form the opposition, criticise and check the government, and offer alternative policies.

(b) Three problems of political parties

1. Inadequate finance: Many parties lack sufficient funds to organise, campaign and maintain their structures effectively.
2. Ethnicity and tribalism: Parties are often formed and supported along ethnic, religious or regional lines, which weakens national unity and internal cohesion.
3. Internal wrangling and indiscipline: Disagreements over leadership, nomination of candidates and sharing of positions cause factions, defections and instability.
4. Absence of clear ideology: Many parties lack a clear, consistent philosophy or programme, so members join and leave for selfish rather than principled reasons.