A political party is defined as a collective that seeks to contest elections and exert political power by formulating policies aimed at the greater societal good. While the foundational purpose of a political party is to unify ideas and drive progress, they often become platforms for division due to the different perspectives on what constitutes the 'good' for society.
The concept of partisanship arises, where individuals become strongly aligned with their party, resisting neutrality in political debates. This dynamic leads to conflicts and the perception that political parties merely foster divisions among people. Furthermore, specific practices such as wall writing during election campaigns, banned officially by the Election Commission, highlight ways parties attempt to communicate and rally support.
In understanding political parties, it's important to recognize they comprise three main components: the leaders who guide the vision, the active members who mobilize and promote the party's agenda, and the followers who support and vote for the party. Their roles reflect the variety of interests within society, highlighting how parties can serve both unifying and divisive purposes.