ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the roles of political parties in the development of democracies in relation to framing clear-cut ideologies upon which the programme of action of the party is based, ensuring credibility of the election process, internal democracy, promotion of civil liberties, constitutionalism and facilitating overall improvement in the standard of living of the electorates in Nigeria and South Africa. It analyses the roles of political parties and democratic development in the two countries, drawing out areas of similarities and contrast, and concludes with recommendations on how political parties can enhance democratic development in Nigeria and South Africa. Political parties are expected to contribute to institutionalisation of democracy to further its entrenchment and development. Political godfatherism is another strong factor that hinders internal democracy in Nigeria. The chapter establishes the inexorable link between political parties and democratic development, especially in the light of the horizontal and vertical functions that political parties perform in democracies.
