To strengthen political parties and enable them to perform their functions well, several reforms can be suggested.

First, a law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties. It should be made compulsory for parties to maintain a register of their members, follow their own constitution, have an independent authority to act as a judge in case of party disputes, and hold open elections to the highest posts. The Constitution was amended to prevent elected MLAs and MPs from indulging in defection for cash rewards or ministerial positions.

Second, it should be made mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to women candidates. Similarly, there should be a quota for women in the decision-making bodies of the party to ensure adequate representation.

Third, there should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to support their election expenses. This support could be given in kind such as petrol, paper, and telephone, or in cash on the basis of votes secured by the party in the last election.

Finally, citizens can put pressure on political parties through petitions, publicity, and agitations. Ordinary citizens, pressure groups, movements, and the media can play an important role. People should also join political parties to improve them from within, as the quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation.