Functions:

1. Preparation of election manifesto: The election agenda is arranged through a manifesto. Its main intention is capturing power with popular support. It reflects the ideological commitments of the party, which include voter’s requirements like good governance through infrastructure development.

2. Selection of the candidate: The selection of the best candidate is made on the basis of popularity, acceptability, and responsiveness to the grievances of people. Usually, all parties prepare a list of such candidates, to win the elections.

3. Political education and awareness: Political parties impart political education to the people and make them realize their responsibilities. The ideologies along with the previous achievements are highlighted to attract the voters during electioneering. Through this, voters compare and contrast and decide their future course of action. Thus, the people have an opportunity to get political education and awareness about national and regional issues.

4. To contest elections: Through proper filing of nominations and getting ‘B form’, it is ascertained that the candidature is official. It is filed in the respective offices of the Returning officers of the concerned constitutencies.

5. Election campaign: The candidates who are in the fray are supported by their parties in all possible ways. Provision for election expenses, using public platform by speeches from the leaders of parties, and through electronic and mass media to win the election.

6. Formation of the government: After the declaration of the results, the party which secures majority will form the government. The administration is carried on within the constitutional framework along with implementing the assurances mentioned in the manifesto at the time of elections. At the same time, it maintains discipline within the party by imposing party norms.

7. Acts as opposition party: The political parties which fail to secure majority in the election, act as opposition parties. They apply the brake to the unconstitutional decisions and policies of the ruling party and help to streamline the administration. The opposition party is always ready to step into the shoes of the ruling party by highlighting the wrongdoings in the administration. It acts as the‘watch dog’ of democracy.

8. Formation of Public opinion: The political party acts as the best agency in formulating the public opinion. The achievements of the ruling party are published and highlighted through media and public platforms. Opposition parties organize rallies, conduct road shows and seminars to expose the failures of ruling party. Such activities of the parties enlighten the masses and lead to the formation of healthy public opinion.

9. Bridge between the government and the people: Political parties act as bridge between the government and the people. The leaders of the parties try to reach the people through policies and programmes. They draw attention of the government towards the problems of the people and get remedies.

10. Promotes the National Interest: It is the task of all the political parties to protect the unity and integrity of the nation. Whenever there is threat from internal violence and external aggression the parties have to unite themselves keeping aside their ideological and parochial differences.