enpartisystem

An enpartisystem, or one-party system, is a political regime in which a single political party dominates government power and other parties are either banned or rendered effectively unable to challenge the ruling party. In such systems the party exercises central control over state institutions, the judiciary, security services, and the media, forming a party-state. Elections, if held, are typically non-competitive, with limited candidate nomination and restricted access for opposition organizations. Civil society and public debate are often constrained, and dissent may be subject to legal or extralegal sanction.

Two main variants are discussed. In de jure one-party states, the constitution or legal framework bans other parties. In de facto one-party states, other parties exist but face systematic barriers that prevent meaningful competition. Some regimes combine formal bans with pervasive party control to ensure obedience.

Historically, one-party systems have appeared in various ideological settings, including Marxist-Leninist states and nationalist or single-ideology regimes. Notable examples include the Soviet Union and the Communist Party of China, as well as North Korea’s ruling party and Cuba’s Communist Party. Some regimes, by contrast, exhibit dominant-party dynamics rather than an explicit constitutional ban on opposition.

Scholars debate the implications of enpartisystem. Proponents emphasize policy continuity and administrative efficiency; critics highlight the suppression of political freedoms, accountability gaps, and potential abuses of power. Transitions away from one-party systems have occurred through constitutional reform, elite accommodation, economic change, or external pressure, with outcomes ranging from gradual reform to abrupt regime change.