One to Rule Them All

Recently, we had learnt about China's history and government. Of which, the Communist's "One Party Rule" is most debatable. One Party Rule is a system in a country of which only a single government party runs the government. Singapore runs a pseudo One Party system, in which 81 of the 87 parliament seats are occupied by People's Action Party, PAP members, while the rest are held by Worker's Party, WP members. The One Party Rule, seemingly the most effective, benefiting governmental system may hide some critical blind spots. We are here to share with you our opinion on this rule.



PROS OF ONE PARTY RULE

The country can formulate a long-term plan for national development and ensure stabilization of its policies. 

This allows the country to have more long term plan without any disruption. If a long-term plan suggested in countries with multiple parties, changes and alterations could be made during the procession as different political parties have different visions and aims when a different party is elected, hence the plan would take a even longer time to pin the idea down, as the parties would keep opposing each other.

High efficiency and prompt effective reaction to emerging challenges and opportunities, especially in response to sudden and catastrophic accidents.

An example is the Terminal Three of Beijing Capital International Airport built for the Beijing Olympics. It was finished in three years whereas other countries that does not have a one party system would have taken an average of 6 and and half years to build finish.

ALL THESE IN JUST 3 YEARS! O.O 

Another example: in 2008, after the Wenchuan earthquake that hits once in a generation, China impressed the whole world by its fast and efficient response. On the same day, Premier Wen Jiabao flew to the earthquake area to oversee the rescue work, Ministry of Health sent ten emergency medical teams and Chengdu Military Region dispatched 50,000 troops and armed police to help with disaster relief work.


Effective containment of corruption in the social transition period. 
Countries with one party system tend to be less corrupted compared to those with multiple parties as competition between parties may result in illegal acts to gain power or money.

Traditional cultures and values are treasured by countries with one party system and would be kept and passed on. 
Countries with one party system tend to see great importance in historical events, items and infrastructure and would want to preserve them as a reminder of the countries' past.


More effective in representing the people.
In countries with one party system, economic policies have been made without special bias in favor of any interest groups.

However, as good as the advantages of a One party system sounds, there are disadvantages as well.

CONS OF ONE PARTY RULE

No one could make sure all decisions made by the government are beneficial to the minority. 
As the country is not democratic, the rules made would always benefit the majority and sometimes ignore the minority

Freedom of speech of people was controlled and restricted. 
Under a communist system, the government has a lot of authority and power and could punish them for expressing dissatisfaction with the government.

Civil wars may surface when freedom of speech is being suppressed. 
The people's voice and displeasure of the government may not be heard, hence protesting is the only way of communication.

A single party means no competition during elections. 
People were unable to vote. Thus, having a lack of sound political community.

More likely to be incompetent as there is no competition between parties. 
Hence the government might not whole-heartedly serve the country as their power is secured and their incompetency will not result in dire consequences such as loss of power.