Q. Consider the following statements about multi-party system:

1. More than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others.
2. India is an example.
3. The multiparty system often appears very messy but leads to political stability.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 1 and 2
Notes: If several parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others, we call it a multiparty system. Thus in India, we have a multiparty system. In this system, the government is formed by various parties coming together in a coalition. When several parties in a multi-party system join hands for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power, it is called an alliance or a front. For example, in India there were three such major alliances in 2004 parliamentary elections- the National Democratic Alliance, the United Progressive Alliance and the Left Front. The multi-party system often appears very messy and leads to political instability. At the same time, this system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.