Democratic Centralism
Democratic Centralism is a political concept associated with Marxist-Leninist parties. It combines two principles: democracy in decision-making and centralization in execution. Members participate in discussions and debates, but once a decision is made, all members must support it publicly. This aims to unite the party and maintain discipline, allowing it to act decisively. While it promotes collective decision-making, critics argue it can stifle dissent and lead to authoritarianism, as the emphasis on unity may suppress individual viewpoints. Overall, it seeks to balance popular input with a strong leadership structure.
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Democratic centralism is a political principle primarily associated with communist organizations, where decisions are made through democratic discussion within the party but are then implemented with strict discipline. Once a decision is reached, all members are expected to uphold and support it publicly, ensuring unity and centralized authority. This approach aims to balance collective decision-making with the need for coherent leadership, preventing dissent within the ranks. While promoting democratic input, it prioritizes a unified front for effective governance and action, often seen in the practices of historical communist parties.