ABSTRACT
In the light of existing analysis and theoretical discussion, political parties stand in an intimate relationship with modern democracy (Powell 1982:7). The formation of independent, competitive parties must accordingly be seen as a critical aspect of contemporary processes of democratization. The emergence of effectively operating multi-party systems (with an emphasis on the systematic and orderly character of the relations obtaining between the parties) should, further, be understood as a major feature of the consolidation of new democracies and establishment of the conditions for their continuing development (Pridham 1990:4). Party formation and the emergence of multi-party systems seem to offer the best prospects for political development and progress towards democracy.
