We need political parties on account of the functions they perform :
(i) They draw together those people who have similar political philosophies and ideas.
(ii) In the parliamentary arena, political parties provide the government and the opposition.
(iii) They also lend organisational support. The party machine, also known as the extra-parliamentary wing of the party, is responsible for organising and financing election campaigns, developing policies and recruiting members.
(iv) They articulate philosophies and develop policies for the betterment of the people.
(v) They are one of the main topics for political debate and discussion in the community.
However, political parties fail to perform their functions because of the following challenges faced by them :
(i) Internal organisation formation.
(ii) Dynastic succession.
(iii) Use of fair means to get good outcomes.
(iv) Failure in offering meaningful and ideological options.
(v) Maintenance of democracy within the parties.
(vi) Control on the use of money and muscle means.
(vii) Offer meaningful choices to the people of the country.