Disadvantages of Parliamentary System

Disadvantages of Parliamentary System

Struggles Between the Ruling Party and the Opposition

The system may lead to unhealthy rivalry between the ruling party and the opposition party. The opposition is officially recognized, and is seen as a government in waiting. So sometimes they fall into the trap of over-criticizing the government of the day to gain political advantage. Such destructive criticisms can delay the progress of national development.

Expensive to Operate

The dual nature of the executive in the Parliamentary system of government creates more expenses as the office of the Prime Minister and of the President or the Queen, must both be catered for in terms of the provision of facilities and logistics. This results in unnecessary waste of national resources. In effect, it is relatively more expensive to operate the Parliamentary system of government than the presidential system.

It Violates the Concept of Separation of Powers

The principle of separation of powers states that the three arms of government, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary must be separate in functions, personnel and power. However, under the parliamentary system, there is a fusion of powers in terms of the executive and the legislature.

Conflict Between the Head of State and Head of Government

The dual executive can be a source of conflict in a parliamentary system of government. This may result from the two executives disagreeing on policy and programmes to be implemented in the state. It was one of these reasons which led to the conflict between Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba and President Joseph Kasavubu in the former Congo in the 1960's. It is believed that this was what led to the eventual assassination of Patrice Lumumba.

Lack of Initiative on the Part of Parliamentarians

In a parliamentary system, there is a strict adherence to party discipline. For this reason, a Member of Parliament cannot, for example, vote against his/her own party's policy. The party whip is able to whip errand members of parliament into line. For this reason, sometimes, members of parliament are not able to take any initiatives of their own.

May Drift Into Instability

There is the tendency to drift toward instability. This happens when a vote of no-confidence is passed in the government by the legislature and it has to resign. In other words, the government could be removed from power before its actual time is due. This situation can hinder the implementation of government policies and thus retard development.