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 multi-party system.
Merits of Multi-Party System
- This system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.
- People can make a choice between several candidates.
Demerits of Multi-Party System
- No one party is likely to gain power alone. Therefore, it leads to difficulty in formation of government.
- Leads to political instability and often appears to be very messy.
