Multi-party system
Also called: Multiparty system · Topic: Political Parties, Party Systems and Anti-defection · NCERT: Class 9, Ch 6 "Democracy"; Class 9, Ch 7 "Elections"; Class 10, Ch 4 "Political Parties"; Class 11, Ch 3 "Election and Representation"; Class 12, Ch 8 "Recent Developments in Indian Politics"
Meaning
A multi-party system is a party system in which more than two parties have a real chance of winning power. They can win alone or by joining with others in coalitions. India has a multi-party system because of its great linguistic, religious and regional diversity. One result is that state parties have gained a share of power at the Centre.
Example
From 1989 to 2014, India saw an era of coalition governments at the Centre, including the UPA from 2004 to 2014. Since 1996, almost every state party has shared power at the Centre. Even in 2024 the BJP won only 240 seats and governs with partners in the NDA.
Don't confuse with
- Two-party system: here, power normally alternates between two big parties. In a multi-party system, several parties can win or share power.