What role does a political party play in a democratic system?

In a democratic system, the primary role of a political party is to aim for electoral success to implement policies that reflect their ideologies and the needs of their constituents. Political parties organize candidates to contest elections, create platforms outlining their proposals, and mobilize voters in order to gain a majority or command enough support to influence government policy. By winning elections, a party can put its plans into action, shaping legislative and executive decisions in ways that align with their agenda.

Focusing on electoral success inherently means that political parties must engage with a broad spectrum of issues, appealing to a wide range of voters to gain sufficient support. This contrasts with the notion of ensuring military compliance, mediating intergovernmental disputes, or concentrating solely on local community issues, which do not capture the comprehensive and competitive nature of how political parties function within a democracy.