ANC vs BJP: Dominant Party Systems

A comparison of how two dominant parties — one liberation movement, one Hindu nationalist — have shaped democratic politics in large, diverse societies.

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African National Congress

South Africa's historic liberation movement and the party that has led the national government since the end of apartheid in 1994. The ANC combines liberation-movement legitimacy, social-democratic commitments, nationalism, and a broad internal coalition that spans unions, reformers, and pragmatists.

Party

🇿🇦 ZA· Est. 1912

party

Bharatiya Janata Party

India's governing party since 2014 and the dominant force on the Indian right. The BJP combines Hindu nationalist politics, mass organization, welfare delivery, and strong central leadership inside the broader Sangh Parivar ecosystem.

Party

🇮🇳 IN· Est. 1980

Origins and identity

The ANC grew from an anti-apartheid liberation movement into the party of democratic South Africa, drawing on a broad-tent nationalist and social democratic identity. The BJP emerged from the Hindu nationalist movement and grew from a marginal force into India's dominant party through a combination of cultural politics and economic reform messaging.

Electoral dominance and challenges

The ANC won every national election from 1994 until its majority finally eroded in 2024, when it was forced into coalition for the first time. The BJP has dominated Indian national politics since 2014, winning two consecutive landslides, though the 2024 election reduced its majority and required coalition partners.

Institutional effects

Long periods of single-party dominance in both countries have raised questions about democratic accountability, media independence, and the space available for opposition. Both parties have centralized executive power around their respective leaders and blurred the line between party and state.

Coalition transitions

Both parties now face the challenge of governing through coalitions after long periods of unchallenged majority rule. How each adapts to coalition partners and negotiated governance will shape the quality of democracy in each country.