Are Political Parties Too Tribal? Assessing the Impact on Democracy and the Escalation of Polarization

Political parties have historically played a crucial role in organising political representation, but their drawbacks cannot be ignored.

Political parties play a significant role in democratic systems, including in New Zealand. They provide a means of organising political representation and facilitating the functioning of the government. However, the question arises whether political parties, with their inherent tribalism and policy conformity, are necessary for a functioning democracy.…