Rearuh

A dominant-party system, or one-party dominant system, is a system where there is "a category of parties/political organisations that have successively won election victories and whose future defeat cannot be envisaged or is unlikely for the foreseeable future."^[1] Many are de facto one-party systems, and often devolve into de jure one-party systems. Usually, the dominant party consistently holds majority government, without the need for coalitions.

Examples commonly cited include: United Russia (ЕP) in Russia, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey, Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in Serbia, SMER-SD in Slovakia, Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (DPS) in Montenegro, the People's Action Party (PAP) in Singapore, the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan, Awami League in Bangladesh, MPLA in Angola and the ZANU-PF in Zimbabwe.^[1]

Historical overview

Opponents of the "dominant party" system or theory argue that it views the meaning of democracy as given, and that it assumes that only a particular conception of representative democracy (in which different parties alternate frequently in power) is valid.^[1] One author argues that "the dominant party 'system' is deeply flawed as a mode of analysis and lacks explanatory capacity. But it is also a very conservative approach to politics. Its fundamental political assumptions are restricted to one form of democracy, electoral politics and hostile to popular politics. This is manifest in the obsession with the quality of electoral opposition and its sidelining or ignoring of popular political activity organised in other ways. The assumption in this approach is that other forms of organisation and opposition are of limited importance or a separate matter from the consolidation of their version of democracy."^[1]

One of the dangers of dominant parties is "the tendency of dominant parties to conflate party and state and to appoint party officials to senior positions irrespective of their having the required qualities."^[1] However, in some countries this is common practice even when there is no dominant party.^[1] In contrast to one-party systems, dominant-party systems can occur within a context of a democratic system. In a one-party system other parties are banned, but in dominant-party systems other political parties are tolerated, and (in democratic dominant-party systems) operate without overt legal impediment, but do not have a realistic chance of winning; the dominant party genuinely wins the votes of the vast majority of voters every time (or, in authoritarian systems, claims to). Under authoritarian dominant-party systems, which may be referred to as "electoralism" or "soft authoritarianism", opposition parties are legally allowed to operate, but are too weak or ineffective to seriously challenge power, perhaps through various forms of corruption, constitutional quirks that intentionally undermine the ability for an effective opposition to thrive, institutional and/or organizational conventions that support the status quo, occasional but not omnipresent political repression, or inherent cultural values averse to change.

In some states opposition parties are subject to varying degrees of official harassment and most often deal with restrictions on free speech (such as press club), lawsuits against the opposition, and rules or electoral systems (such as gerrymandering of electoral districts) designed to put them at a disadvantage. In some cases outright electoral fraud keeps the opposition from power. On the other hand, some dominant-party systems occur, at least temporarily, in countries that are widely seen, both by their citizens and outside observers, to be textbook examples of democracy. The reasons why a dominant-party system may form in such a country are often debated: Supporters of the dominant party tend to argue that their party is simply doing a good job in government and the opposition continuously proposes unrealistic or unpopular changes, while supporters of the opposition tend to argue that the electoral system disfavors them (for example because it is based on the principle of first past the post), or that the dominant party receives a disproportionate amount of funding from various sources and is therefore able to mount more persuasive campaigns. In states with ethnic issues, one party may be seen as being the party for an ethnicity or race with the party for the majority ethnic, racial or religious group dominating, e.g., the African National Congress in South Africa (governing since 1994) has strong support amongst Black South Africans, the Ulster Unionist Party governed Northern Ireland from its creation in 1921 until 1972 with the support of the Protestant majority.

Sub-national entities are often dominated by one party due the area's demographic being on one end of the spectrum. For example, the current elected government of the District of Columbia has been governed by Democrats since its creation in the 1970s, Bavaria by the Christian Social Union since 1957, Madeira by the Social Democrats since 1976, and Alberta by Progressive Conservatives 1971–2015. On the other hand, where the dominant party rules nationally on a genuinely democratic basis, the opposition may be strong in one or more subnational areas, possibly even constituting a dominant party locally; an example is South Africa, where although the African National Congress is dominant at the national level, the opposition Democratic Alliance is strong to dominant in the Province of Western Cape.

Current dominant-party systems

Africa

• 
   Algeria
  
  
  
  • 
    National Liberation Front (FLN)^[2]
    
  
  
  • In power since independence in 1962 except for 1992 and 1994-1999, sole legal party 1962–1989
  
  
  • Led by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in office since 27 April 2005
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2014: Abdelaziz Bouteflika (FLN) elected with 81.53% of the vote
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2017: FLN 25.99% and won 164 of 462 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Angola
  
  
  
  • 
    Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola (MPLA)^[3][4]
    
  
  
  • In power since independence, 11 November 1975; sole legal party, 1975–91
  
  
  • Formerly led by President José Eduardo dos Santos (in office since 10 September 1979 to 28 August 2017) and now led by João Lourenço.
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 1992: dos Santos (MPLA-PT) won 49.6% of the vote. As this was not an absolute majority, a runoff against Jonas Savimbi (40.1%) was required, but did not take place. Dos Santos remained in office without democratic legitimacy.
  
  
  • New constitution, 2010: popular election of president abolished in favour of a rule that the top candidate of the most voted party in parliamentary elections becomes president.
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2017: MPLA 61.11% and 150 of 220 seats.
  
  
  
  


• 
   Botswana
  
  
  
  • 
    Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)^[5]
    
  
  
  • Led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, in office since 1 April 2018
  
  
  • In power since independence in 1966,^[6] first elected 3 March 1965
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2014: BDP 46.5% and 37 of 57 seats
  
  
  • 
    Local elections, 2009: BDP 333 of 490 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Burundi
  
  
  
  • 
    National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD)
  
  
  • In power since 2005
  
  
  • Led by President Pierre Nkurunziza, in office since 26 August 2005
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2015: CNDD-FDD 69.41%
  
  
  • 
    Constitutional Referendum, 2018: 79.08%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Cameroon^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (Rassemblement Démocratique et Populaire du Cameroun, RDPC)
  
  
  • Led by President Paul Biya, in office since 6 November 1982
  
  
  • In power, under various names, since independence, 1 January 1960 (Sole legal party, 1966–1990)
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2011: Paul Biya (RDPC) 77.99%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2013: RDPC 148 of 180 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Chad^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Patriotic Salvation Movement (Mouvement Patriotique de Salut de SMPS)
  
  
  • Led by President Idriss Déby Itno, in office since 2 December 1990
  
  
  • In power since 2 December 1990
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2016: Idriss Déby (MPS) 59.92%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2011: MPS 110 of 155 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Republic of the Congo^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Congolese Party of Labour (Parti Congolais du Travail, PCT)
  
  
  • Led by President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, in office from 8 February 1979 to 31 August 1992 and since 15 October 1997
  
  
  • In power, under various names, from 1963 to 1992 and since 1997 (Sole legal party, 1963–1990)
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2012: PCT 89 of 139 seats
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2016: Denis Sassou-Nguesso (PCT) 60.19%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Djibouti^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    People's Rally for Progress (Rassemblement Populaire pour de Progrès, RPP)
  
  
  • Led by President Ismail Omar Guelleh, in office since 8 May 1999
  
  
  • In power since its formation in 1979 (Sole legal party, 1979–1992)
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2018: RPP in coalition, 87.83% and 57 of 65 seats
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2016: Ismail Omar Guelleh (RPP) 87.07%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Equatorial Guinea^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (Partido Democrático de Guinea Ecuatorial, PDGE)
  
  
  • Led by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in office since 3 August 1979
  
  
  • In power since its formation in 1987 (Sole legal party, 1987–1991)
  
  
  • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2011: 97.73%
  
  
  • 
    Senate election, 2017: PDGE 92.00% 55 of 70 seats (Includes 15 unelected representatives appointed by the president.)
  
  
  • Chamber of People's Representatives election, 2017: PDGE 92.00% 99 of 100 seats
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2016: Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (PDGE) 93.53%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Ethiopia^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)
  
  
  • Led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in office since 2 April 2018
  
  
  • In power since 28 May 1991
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2015: 500 of 547 seats (546 of 547 seats including allies)
  
  
  • Regional election, 2015: Regional partners 1987 of 1990 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Gabon^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Gabonese Democratic Party (Parti Démocratique Gabonais, PDG)
  
  
  • Led by President Ali Bongo Ondimba, in office since 16 October 2009
  
  
  • In power, under various names, since 28 November 1958 (Sole legal party, 1968–1991)
  
  
  • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 1995: 96.5%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2011: PDG 113 of 120 seats (118 of 120 seats including allies)
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2016: Ali Bongo Ondimba 49.8%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Mozambique^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Mozambican Liberation Front (FRELIMO)
  
  
  • Led by President Filipe Nyusi, in office since 15 January 2015
  
  
  • In power since independence, 25 June 1975 (Sole legal party, 1975–1990)
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2014: Filipe Nyusi (FRELIMO) 57.03%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2014: FRELIMO 55.93% and 144 of 250 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Namibia^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO)
  
  
  • Led by President Hage Geingob, in office since 21 March 2015
  
  
  • In power since independence, 21 March 1990
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2014: Hage Geingob (SWAPO) 86.73%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2014: SWAPO 77 of 104 seats
  
  
  • 
    Local elections, 2015: SWAPO 112 of 121 seats
  
  
  • Regional elections, 2015: SWAPO 277 of 378 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Rwanda^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF)
  
  
  • Led by President Paul Kagame, in office since 24 March 2000
  
  
  • In power since 19 July 1994
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2017: Paul Kagame (RPF) 98.79%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2013: RPF 76.22% and 41 of 80 seats
  
  
  • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2015: 98.3%
  
  
  
  


• 
   South Africa^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    African National Congress (ANC)
  
  
  • Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in office since 15 February 2018
  
  
  • In power since 10 May 1994
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2014: ANC 62.15% and 249 of 400 seats
  
  
  • 
    Municipal elections, 2016: ANC 53.91%
  
  
  
  


• 
   South Sudan^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)
  
  
  • Led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, in office since 9 July 2011; and was President of Southern Sudan since 30 July 2005
  
  
  • In power since independence, 9 July 2011; and in the autonomous Government of Southern Sudan since formation, July 9, 2005
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2010: Salva Kiir Mayardit (SPLM) 92.99%
  
  
  • Parliamentary election, 2010: SPLM 160 of 170 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Sudan^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    National Congress (NC)
  
  
  • Led by President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir, in office since 30 June 1989
  
  
  • In power since its formation, 16 October 1993
  
  
  • Council election, 2010: NC 25 of 50 seats
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2015: Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir (NC) 94.05%%
  
  
  • Parliamentary election, 2015: NC 83.4% and 323 of 426 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Tanzania^[7]
  
  
  • 
    Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)
  
  
  • Led by President John Magufuli, in office since 5 November 2015
  
  
  • In power, under various names, since independence, 9 December 1961 (Sole legal party, 1964–1992)
  
  
  • 
    Civic election, 2014: CCM 74.50%
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2015: John Magufuli (CCM) 58.46%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2015: CCM 252 of 367 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Togo^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Union for the Republic (UNIR)
  
  
  • Led by President Faure Gnassingbé, in office since 5 February 2005
  
  
  • In power since its formation in 2012
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2015: Faure Gnassingbé (UNIR) 58.75%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2013: UNIR 62 of 91 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Uganda
  
  
  
  • 
    National Resistance Movement (NRM)
  
  
  • Led by President Yoweri Museveni, in office since 29 January 1986.
  
  
  • In power as de facto dominant party since 29 January 1986 as a "non-party Movement."
    
  
  
  • Became de jure dominant party with the return of multi-party elections on 28 July 2005.
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2016: Yoweri Museveni (NRM) 60.62%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2016: NRM 293 of 426 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Western Sahara
  
  
  
  • The Polisario Front is the only political party represented in the government in exile of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (headquartered in neighbouring Algeria)
  
  
  • 
    Legislative election, 2012: 53 of 53 Seats
  
  
  • Other parties are permitted in the Sahrawi constitution, but currently none exist
  
  
  • The United Nations has designated the Polisario Front to be the sole legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people^[8]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   Zimbabwe^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF)
  
  
  • Formerly led by President Robert Mugabe, in office from 18 April 1980 to 21 November 2017 (as president since 31 December 1987) and now led by Emmerson Mnangagwa since 24 November 2017.
  
  
  • In power since independence, 17 April 1980
  
  
  • Presidential election, 2018: Emmerson Mnangagwa (ZANU-PF) 50.8%
  
  
  • 
    House of Assembly election, 2018: ZANU-PF 179 of 270 elective seats
  
  
  • Senate election, 2018: ZANU-PF 43.8% and won 34 of 80 elective seats
  
  
  • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2013: 94.49%
  
  
  
  

Americas

• 
   Antigua & Barbuda
  
  
  
  • The Barbuda People's Movement has ruled the island of Barbuda since 1979, and has won every election for the island's seat in the national House of Representatives.
  
  
  • 
    General election, 2018: ALP 59.24% and won 15 of 17 seats
  
  
  
  

• 
   Argentina
  
  
  
  • The Justicialist Party has won every gubernatorial election since 1973 in the provinces of Formosa, La Pampa, San Luis, Santa Cruz and La Rioja.
  
  
  • The Neuquén People's Movement has won every gubernatorial election since 1962 in the province of Neuquén.
  
  
  
  

• 
   Bolivia
  
  
  
  • Movement for Socialism (Bolivia)
  
  
  • Led by Evo Morales, in power since 2005
  
  
  • 
    2014 Election: 61.36% and won 88 of 130 seats (Chamber) and 25 of 36 seats (Senate)
  
  
  
  

• 
   Dominica
  
  
  
  • Dominica Labour Party
  
  
  • Led by Roosevelt Skerrit and Charles Savarin
    
  
  
  • In power since 2000
  
  
  • 
    Dominican general election, 2014: 56.99% and won 15 of 21 seats
  
  
  
  

• 
   Nicaragua
  
  
  
  • FSLN
  
  
  • Presidency since 2007 (and 1979–1990) mayor of every major city, including Managua, majorities in most departments.
  
  
  • Local elections, 2012: 75,7% and 127 of 153 seats
  
  
  • 
    General election, 2016: Daniel Ortega 72.5%
  
  
  • National election, 2016: 66.8%
  
  
  • Constituency election, 2016: 65.7%
  
  
  • Central American Parliament, 2016: 68.6%
  
  
  
  

• 
   Paraguay
  
  
  
  • ANR-Colorado party
  
  
  • Led by Mario Abdo Benítez
    
  
  
  • In power since 1886–1904, 1912, 1948–2008, 2013–present
  
  
  • 
    Paraguayan general election, 2018: 48.96%, Mario Abdo Benítez
    
  
  
  
  

• 
   Venezuela
  
  
  
  • 
    United Socialist Party of Venezuela led Great Patriotic Pole
    
  
  
  • In power since 1999, led by Hugo Chavez, then Nicolás Maduro
    
  
  
  • 
    Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election, 2017: won 538 of 545 seats
  
  
  • 
    Venezuelan regional elections, 2017: 52.7%
  
  
  • 
    Venezuelan municipal elections, 2017: GPP 71.31% and won 306 of 365 seats
  
  
  • 
    Venezuelan presidential election, 2018: Nicolás Maduro 67.8%
  
  
  
  

Canada

 Canada

Federally, a multi-party system exists, although only two federal parties have ever held power, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party. However, in some provinces, a party holds hegemonic status over all other parties.

• 
   Alberta has voted for the Conservative Party or one of its institutional predecessors (the Progressive Conservative Party, the Reform Party, or the Canadian Alliance) in every single federal election since 1957. The Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta also won every single provincial election from 1971 through 2015. But in surveys now leads the United Conservative Party (UCP) again. The 2015 provincial election saw a surprise win by the New Democratic Party, in part due to the Wildrose Party splitting the conservative vote.
  
  
  
  • 
    Senate nominee election, 2012: 40.47% and won 3 of 3 seats
  
  
  • 
    Canadian federal election, 2015: Tories 59.5% and won 29 of 34 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Saskatchewan has re-elected the Saskatchewan Party to three straight decisive majority mandates. The party currently hold 50 of the 61 seats in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.
  
  
  
  • 
    Canadian federal election, 2015: Tories 48.5% and won 10 of 14 seats
  
  
  • 
    General election, 2016: 62.36% and won 51 of 61 seats
  
  
  
  

United States

 United States

As a whole, the nation has a two-party system, with the main parties since the mid-19th century being Democratic Party and the Republican Party. However, some states and cities have been dominated by one of these parties for up to several decades. Generally, the Democratic Party dominate in the urban metropolitan areas, while the Republican Party dominate in the rural areas. Since 2010, majority of the states are dominated by the Republican Party. With control in both the Senate and House of Representatives, and Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 elections, the Republican Party dominate in both federal and state levels.

Dominated by the Democratic Party:

• 
   California had a Republican governor as late as 2011 but has voted for Democrats in national races and has a legislature dominated by the Democrats since the 1990s. Due to the top two primary election, many statewide and local races are contested by two members of the Democratic Party in the general election.
  
  
  
  • 
    United States presidential election, 2016: Hillary Clinton (Democratic) 61.73% and won 55 electoral votes
  
  
  • 
    United States Senate election, 2016: Democrats 61.6%
  
  
  • 
    State Assembly election, 2016: Democrats 61.08% and won 55 of 80 seats
  
  
  • 
    United States House of Representatives elections Democrats 63.91% and won 39 of 53 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   District of Columbia has been continuously ruled by Democrats since the Home Rule Act of 1973 was passed.


• 
   Hawaii has been dominated by Democrats since the Democratic Revolution of 1954. Beforehand, the then-Territory of Hawaii was dominated by Republicans and a sugar oligarchy.


• 
   New York has an overwhelmingly Democratic population. Democrats have controlled all statewide offices since 2006 (not counting the governor, a Republican was last elected statewide in 2002).


• 
   Oregon, while once a heavily Republican state, has had only one Republican governor since 1975, has voted Democrat in every Presidential election since 1988, and had no Republican statewide elected officials from 2002 until the election of Dennis Richardson as Oregon Secretary of State in 2016.


• 
   Massachusetts has been dominated by Democrats for several decades, however there have been numbers of Republican governors.


• 
   Maryland has been dominated by Democrats since the Civil War, with some exceptions.


• 
   Washington, in a manner similar to Oregon, has not had a Republican governor since 1985.

Dominated by the Republican Party:

• 
   Alabama: dominated by Republicans since the mid-1990s.


• 
   Arizona has been considered a "Republican party stronghold" in recent decades, with a continuous majority in the State House of Representatives since 1967. However, it has elected several Democrats to statewide office and is often considered a swing state in presidential elections.


• 
   Idaho has been dominated by Republicans for most of its existence, with no Democratic governors since 1994 and only two years in which the State Senate was tied evenly since 1960.


• 
   Illinois is dominated by the Republicans. Chicago, however, has been historically dominated by the Cook County Democratic Party – the office of mayor has been filled by a Democrat continuously since 1931.


• 
   Kansas has been dominated by Republicans for most of its existence, with only four years of Democratic majorities in the State House of Representatives since 1915 and only Republican majorities in the same period. Since 1967, however, five of the last nine governors have been Democrats, although one of these Democrats only held office for two years.^[9]
  


• 
   Louisiana is dominated by the Republicans. New Orleans, however, has been dominated by the Democratic Party since the 19th century.


• 
   Michigan is dominated by the Republicans. Detroit, however, has been dominated by the Democratic Party since the mid-1960s. The city has not had a Republican mayor since the end of Louis Miriani's administration in 1962, and has had just one Republican – Keith Butler – to sit on the Detroit City Council since 1970.


• 
   Mississippi: dominated by Republicans since the mid-1990s.


• 
   Nebraska has been dominated by Republicans for most of its existence, with a non-partisan (with a de facto Republican majority since records began in 2007) legislature, mostly Republican governors and elected cabinet officials and only one Republican who changed party to Democrat in 2006 holding state-level partisan office since 1999.


• 
   South Carolina: dominated by Republicans since the mid-1990s.


• 
   South Dakota has been dominated by Republicans for most of its existence, aside from a few Democratic and Populist governments and coalitions with Republicans, with only three elected high officials and two years of State Senate dominance since 1979.


• 
   Texas: dominated by Republicans since the mid-1990s.


• 
   Utah has been dominated by Republicans for most of its existence, except for Democratic dominance during the Fifth Party System and between 1917 and 1920, the 1890s, and between 1959 and 1984.


• 
   Wisconsin is dominated by the Republicans. Milwaukee, however, has been dominated by Democrats since the 1960s. Beforehand, it was dominated by the "Sewer Socialism" movement.


• 
   Wyoming has been dominated by Republicans for most of its existence, with only four years where a house of the legislature has been Democratic since 1939, and mostly Republican governors during that period.

Dominant-party systems can also exist on native reservations with republican forms of government. The Seneca Nation of Indians, a tribe with territory within the bounds of New York State, has had the Seneca Party as the dominant party in its political system for several decades.

Asia and Oceania

• 
   Bangladesh
  
  
  
  • 
    Awami League (AL)
  
  
  • Led by Prime Minister Hasina Wazed, in office since 6 January 2009
  
  
  • In power since 2008
  
  
  • 
    Bangladeshi general election, 2014: 79.14% and 276 of 350 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Cambodia
  
  
  
  • Cambodian People's Party
  
  
  • Led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, in office since 14 January 1985
  
  
  • In power since 1993 (sole legal party 1979–1992)
  
  
  • 
    Cambodian communal elections, 2017: 50.76% and 6,503 of 11,572 councillors
  
  
  • 
    Cambodian Senate election, 2018: 95.95% and 58 of 58 seats
  
  
  • 
    Cambodian general election, 2018: 76.85% and 125 of 125 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Japan
  
  
  
  • 
    Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
  
  
  • Led by Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, in office since 26 December 2012.
  
  
  • In power 1955–1993, 1994–2009 and since 2012 (governed in coalition with Komeito since 1999 in order to maintain Supermajority)
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election 2017: LDP 284 of 465 seats (Governing coalition 313 of 465 seats).
  
  
  
  


• 
   Samoa^[10][11]
  
  
  • 
    Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP)
  
  
  • Led by Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, in office since 23 November 1998
  
  
  • In power since 1982
  
  
  • 
    General election, 2016: HRPP 56.92% 35 of 50 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Singapore
  
  
  
  • 
    People's Action Party (PAP)
  
  
  • Led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in office since 12 August 2004
  
  
  • In power since 3 June 1959^[12]
    
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2015: PAP won 69.9% of the popular vote and 83 out of 89 seats^[13]
    
  
  
  • 
    Bukit Batok by-election, 2016: 61.2%
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2017: Former PAP member Halimah Yacob won (only candidate)^[a]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   South Korea
  
  
  
  • The liberal Democratic Party of Korea has dominated in the Jeolla Province
    
  
  
  • The conservative Liberty Korea Party has dominated in the Gyeongsang Province
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   Syria
  
  
  
  • 
    National Progressive Front (NPF), a coalition of 10 parties led by the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Syria Region (Baath Party)
  
  
  • Led by President Bashar al-Assad, in office since 17 July 2000
  
  
  • In power since 8 March 1963
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2014: Bashar al-Assad 88.7%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2016: Baath Party won 134 of 250 seats (National Progressive Front 200 of 250)
  
  
  
  


• 
   Tajikistan^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan is headed by President Emomalii Rahmon
    
  
  
  • In power since 1994
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election in 2013 won by Emomali Rahmon 83.92%.
  
  
  • Since the Parliamentary election in 2015 holds 51 seats in Assembly of Representatives.
  
  
  
  


• 
   Turkmenistan^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Democratic Party of Turkmenistan is headed by Kasymguly Babaev since 18 August 2013.
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election in 2017 won by Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow 97.69%.
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2018: 55 of 125 seats in the Assembly of Turkmenistan.
  
  
  • In power since the Independence 1990 or 1920 (as Communist Party of Turkmenistan)
  
  
  • Until 2012 it was the sole legal party in Turkmenistan.
  
  
  
  


• 
   Yemen^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    General People's Congress (GPC)
  
  
  • Since 2012 led by President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi
    
  
  
  • In power since the unification of North Yemen (since 1982) and South Yemen in 1990
  
  
  • 
    Presidential Election, 2012: Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi (GPC) 100%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary Election, 2003: GPC 58.0% and 238 out of 301 seats
  
  
  
  

Eurasia

• 
   Azerbaijan
  
  
  
  • 
    New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) has been in power essentially continuously since 1993.
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2015: 47.20% and 69 of 125 seats
  
  
  • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2016: 89% and 95%
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2018: Ilham Aliyev 86.02%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Kazakhstan^{[citation needed]}
  
  
  • 
    Nur Otan is headed by President Nursultan Nazarbayev since 4 July 2007.
  
  
  • Since last parliamentary election in 2016: 82.20% and holds 84 of 107 seats in the Majilis.
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election in 2015 won by Nursultan Nazarbayev 97,75%.
  
  
  
  


• 
   Turkey^[14][15][16]
  
  
  • 
    Justice and Development Party
    
    
    
    • Led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (President 2014-present, Prime Minister 2003-2014)
    
    
    • In power since 2002
    
    
    • 
      Local elections, 2014: 42.87%
    
    
    • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2017: 51.41%
    
    
    • 
      Presidential election, 2018: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 52.59%
    
    
    • 
      Parliamentary election, 2018: 42.56% and 295 of 650 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
    Turkish Kurdistan
    
    
    
    • 
      Peoples' Democratic Party^[b]
      
    
    
    • Biggest party since 1991
    
    
    • 
      Local elections, 2014: BDP 50%
    
    
    • HDP's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2017: 68.39%
    
    
    • 
      Presidential election, 2018: Selahattin Demirtaş 59.68%
    
    
    • 
      Parliamentary election, 2018: 53.27% and 42 of 71 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   Russia
  
  
  
  • United Russia
  
  
  • Led by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev
    
  
  
  • In power since 2003
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2018: Vladimir Putin 76.7% (supported by United Russia, but run as independent)
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2016: 54.20% and 343 of 450 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   South Ossetia
  
  
  
  • United Ossetia
  
  
  • Led by Anatoliy Bibilov
    
  
  
  • In power since 2014 (a continuation of the governing 2001–2014 Unity Party, now defunct)
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2014: 44.84% and 20 of 34 seats
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2017: Anatoliy Bibilov 54.80%
  
  
  
  

Europe

• 
   Austria
  
  
  
  • 
     Lower Austria
    
    
    
    • Austrian People's Party
    
    
    • Led by Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governess (since 2017)
    
    
    • In power since 1907 or 1945^[c]
      
    
    
    • 
      Cisleithanian legislative election, 1911: CS 59.97%^[17]
      
    
    
    • 
      Constitutional Assembly election, 1919: CS 40.91%^[18]
      
    
    
    • The government's support for the Austrian conscription referendum, 2013: 60.9%
    
    
    • Landarbeiterkammer election, 2014: NÖAAB 82.81% and won 33 of 30 seats
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: ÖVP 33.0%
    
    
    • Landwirtschaftskammer election 2015: NÖBB 83.72% and won 30 of 36 seats
    
    
    • The government's support for the 1st Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 47.35%
    
    
    • The government's support for the 2nd Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 50.66%
    
    
    • 
      Austrian legislative election, 2017: ÖVP 35.60%
    
    
    • 
      State election, 2018: VPNÖ 49.64% and won 29 of 56 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Tyrol
    
    
    
    • Austrian People's Party
    
    
    • Led by Günther Platter, Governor (since 2008)
    
    
    • In power since 1907 or 1945^[c]
      
    
    
    • 
      Cisleithanian legislative election, 1911: CS 49.91%^[19]
      
    
    
    • 
      Constitutional Assembly election, 1919: CS 61.00%^[18]
      
    
    
    • The government's support for the Austrian conscription referendum, 2013: 62.5%
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: ÖVP 32.4%
    
    
    • Landwirtschaftskammer election 2015: TBB 83.6%
    
    
    • The government's support for the 1st Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 51.39%
    
    
    • The government's support for the 2nd Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 54.69%
    
    
    • 
      Austrian legislative election, 2017: ÖVP 38.42%
    
    
    • 
      Tyrolean state election, 2018: TVP 44.26%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Vienna
    
    
    
    • Social Democratic Party of Austria
    
    
    • Led by Michael Häupl, Mayor (since 1994)
    
    
    • In power since 1911 or 1945
    
    
    • 
      Cisleithanian legislative election, 1911: SDAPÖ 49.91%^[20]
      
    
    
    • 
      Constitutional Assembly election, 1919: SDAPÖ 55.43%^[18]
      
    
    
    • The government's support for the Austrian conscription referendum, 2013: 53.9%
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: SPÖ 27.6%
    
    
    • State election, 2015: SPÖ 39.59%
    
    
    • The government's support for the 1st Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 63.32%
    
    
    • The government's support for the 2nd Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 65.68%
    
    
    • 
      Austrian legislative election, 2017: SPÖ 34.49%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Vorarlberg
    
    
    
    • Austrian People's Party
    
    
    • Led by Markus Wallner, Governor (since 2011)
    
    
    • In power since 1907 or 1945^[c]
      
    
    
    • 
      Cisleithanian legislative election, 1911: CS 65.34%^[21]
      
    
    
    • 
      Constitutional Assembly election, 1919: CS 61.99%^[18]
      
    
    
    • The government's support for the Austrian conscription referendum, 2013: 66.2%
    
    
    • State election, 2014: VVP 41.79%
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: ÖVP 28.2%
    
    
    • Landwirtschaftskammer election 2016 (Farmers and foresters): VVBB 75.60% and won 11 of 3 seats
    
    
    • Landwirtschaftskammer election 2016 (Agricultural and forestry employees): VVBB 75.56% and won 4 of 5 seats
    
    
    • The government's support for the 1st Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 58.59%
    
    
    • The government's support for the 2nd Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 62.53%
    
    
    • 
      Austrian legislative election, 2017: ÖVP 34.71%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Upper Austria
    
    
    
    • Austrian People's Party
    
    
    • Led by Thomas Stelzer, Governor (since 2017)
    
    
    • In power since 1907 or 1945^[c]
      
    
    
    • 
      Cisleithanian legislative election, 1911: CS 61.40%^[22]
      
    
    
    • 
      Constitutional Assembly election, 1919: CS 46.23%^[18]
      
    
    
    • The government's support for the Austrian conscription referendum, 2013: 62.5%
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: ÖVP 28.0%
    
    
    • State election, 2015: OÖVP 36.37%
    
    
    • Landwirtschaftskammer election 2015: OÖBB 66.94% and won 24 of 35 seats
    
    
    • The government's support for the 1st Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 51.32%
    
    
    • The government's support for the 2nd Second of the Presidential election, 2016: 55.27%
    
    
    • 
      Austrian legislative election, 2017: ÖVP 31.45%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   France
  
  • 
    Paris
    
    
    
    • 
      Socialist Party (PS)
    
    
    • In power since 2001
    
    
    
    
  
  


• 
   Germany
  
  
  
  • 
     Bavaria
    
    
    
    • 
      Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU)
    
    
    • Led by Horst Seehofer, Minister-President (since 2008)
    
    
    • In power since 1946, 1919 or 1869^[d] (except for 1954–57)
    
    
    • 
      Zollparlament election, 1868: BPP 31.8% and 21 of 48 seats
    
    
    • Kammer der Abgeordneten election, 1912: BZP 40.8% and 87 of 163
    
    
    • Reichsrat election, 1912: BZP 40.8%
    
    
    • 
      Weimar National Assembly election, 1919: CVP 34.6%
    
    
    • The government's support for the German referendum, 1926: 76.7% (Boycott and No)
    
    
    • The government's support for the Presidential election, 1932: 61.2%
    
    
    • 
      Federal election, March 1933: BVP-Z 27.2%
    
    
    • Landesversammlung election, 1946: CSU 58.3%
    
    
    • District elections, 2013: CSU 44.9 % and 89 of 195 seats
    
    
    • Local elections, 2014: CSU 39.7% and 55 of 77 seats
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: CDU/CSU 40.5%
    
    
    • 
      German federal election, 2017: CDU/CSU 38.8% and won 46 of 115 seats
    
    
    • 
      State election, 2018: CSU 37.2% and 85 of 205 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Berlin
    
    
    
    • 
      Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) (in power since 2001)
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: CDU/CSU 30.6%
    
    
    • 
      State election, 2016: SPD 21.6% and 38 of 160 seats
    
    
    • Borough elections, 2016: SPD 23.4 % and 169 of 660 seats
    
    
    • Local elections, 2016: SPD 23.4%
    
    
    • Came in third place in Berlin to the Christian Democratic Union and The Left in the German federal election, 2017 with 17.9% and won 5 of 28 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Hesse
    
    
    
    • 
      Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
    
    
    • In power since 1999
    
    
    • 
      State election, 2013: CDU 38.3% and 47 of 110 seats
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: CDU/CSU 30.6%
    
    
    • Local elections, 2016: CDU 28.9%
    
    
    • 
      German federal election, 2017: CDU/CSU 30.9% and won 17 of 50 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Saxony
    
    
    
    • 
      Christian Democratic Union (CDU)^[23]
      
    
    
    • In power since 1990
    
    
    • 
      Volkskammer election, 1990: Christian Democratic Union 43.5%
    
    
    • 
      State election, 2014: CDU 39.4%
    
    
    • Local elections, 2014: CDU 36.1%
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: CDU/CSU 34.5%
    
    
    • Came in second place in Saxony to the Alternative für Deutschland in the German federal election 2017 with 26.9% and won 12 of 28 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Thuringia
    
    
    
    • 
      Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
    
    
    • In power since 1990 (except from 2014)
    
    
    • 
      Volkskammer election, 1990: Christian Democratic Union 54.1%
    
    
    • 
      State election, 2014: CDU 33.5%
    
    
    • Local elections, 2014: CDU 35.0%
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: CDU/CSU 31.8%
    
    
    • 
      German federal election 2017: CDU/CSU 28.8% and won 8 of 22 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   Hungary
  
  
  
  • Fidesz
  
  
  • Led by Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister (since 2010)
  
  
  • In power since 2010 (won in the European Parliament election, 2009)
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2012: János Áder (Fidesz) 67.87%
  
  
  • 
    European Parliament election, 2014: Fidesz 51.48% and 12 of 21 seats
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2014: Fidesz 44.87% and 133 of 199 seats
  
  
  • The government's support for the Migrant quota referendum, 2016: 98.36%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Iceland^[24]
  
  
  • 
    Independence Party has governed Island since 1946, except for 1956–1959, 1971–1983 and 2009–2013 and is the biggest party since 1942, except for 2009–2013.
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2017: 25.2% and won 16 of 63 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Italy
  
  
  
  • 
     Emilia-Romagna
    
    
    
    • 
      Democratic Party^[e]
      
    
    
    • In power since 1909 (except for 1924)
    
    
    • 
      Regional election, 2014: PD 44.5% and 31 of 50 seats
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: PD 52.5%
    
    
    • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2016: 50.4%
    
    
    • Came in second place in Emilia-Romagna to the Five Star Movement in the Chamber of Deputies election, 2018: PD 26.4%
    
    
    • Came in second place in Emilia-Romagna to the Five Star Movement in the Senate election, 2018: PD 26.3%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Lombardy
    
    
    
    • Centre-right coalition
    
    
    • In power since 1994
    
    
    • Came in second place in Lombardy to the Democratic Party in the European Parliament election, 2014: FI+LN+FdI 34.3%
    
    
    • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2016: 55.5%
    
    
    • The government's support for the Autonomy referendum, 2017: 95.3%
    
    
    • 
      Regional election, 2018: CDX 51.23% and won 49 of 80 seats
    
    
    • Presidential election, 2018: Attilio Fontana 49.7%
    
    
    • 
      Chamber of Deputies election, 2018: CDX 46.9%
    
    
    • Senate election, 2018: CDX 47.2%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Tuscany
    
    
    
    • 
      Democratic Party^[e]
      
    
    
    • In power since 1946 (except for 1924, 1953–1963)
    
    
    • 
      Regional election, 2015: PD 48.1% and 25 of 41 seats
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: PD 52.5%
    
    
    • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2016: 52.5%
    
    
    • 
      Chamber of Deputies election, 2018: PD 29.6%
    
    
    • Senate election, 2018: PD 30.5%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     South Tyrol
    
    
    
    • South Tyrolean People's Party
    
    
    • In power since 1948 (The German Association dominated from 1921 and before that it was part of Tyrol)
    
    
    • 
      Italian general election, 1924: German Association, part of Lists of Slavs and Germans 80%
    
    
    • 
      Provincial elections, 2013: SVP 45.7% and 17 of 35 seats
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: SVP 48.0%
    
    
    • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2016: 63.7%
    
    
    • 
      Chamber of Deputies election, 2018: SVP 48.8%
    
    
    • Senate election, 2018: SVP 49.8%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Veneto
    
    
    
    • Centre-right coalition
    
    
    • In power since 1994
    
    
    • Came in second place in Veneto to the Democratic Party in the European Parliament election, 2014: FI+LN+FdI 33.2%
    
    
    • 
      Regional election, 2015: CDX 52.2% and won 29 of 51 seats
    
    
    • Presidential election, 2015: Luca Zaia 50.1%
    
    
    • The government's support for the Constitutional referendum, 2016: 61.9%
    
    
    • The government's support for the Autonomy referendum, 2017: 98.1%
    
    
    • 
      Chamber of Deputies election, 2018: CDX 48.1%
    
    
    • Senate election, 2018: CDX 48.2%
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   Luxembourg
  
  
  
  • The Christian Social People's Party (CSV), with its predecessor Party of the Right, has governed Luxembourg continuously since 1915, except for 1974–1979 and from 2013. However, Luxembourg has a coalition system, and the CSV has been in coalition with at least one of the two next two leading parties for all but four years. It has always won a plurality of seats in parliamentary elections, although it lost the popular vote in 1964 and 1974.
  
  
  • 
    European Parliament election, 2014: CSV 37.65% and 3 of 6 seats
  
  
  • The CSV's support for the constitutional referendum, 2015: 80.87%, 78.02% and 69.93%
  
  
  • 
    Communal elections, 2017: CVP 30.4% and won 209 of 600 seats
  
  
  • 
    General election, 2018: CSV 29.90% and 21 of 60 seats
  
  
  
  


• 
   Montenegro
  
  
  
  • 
    Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro, founded in 1943 as Communist Party of Montenegro, part of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia
    
  
  
  • Led by Milo Đukanović, seven term former Prime Minister (1991–1993, 1993–1996, 1996–1998, 2003–2006, 2008–2009, 2009–2010, 2012–2016) and President (1998–2002, 2018-)
  
  
  • In power since establishment of Communist rule in Montenegro/Yugoslavia in 1944/5 (Sole legal party, 1945–1990)
  
  
  • The government's support for the Independence referendum, 2006: 55.5%
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2016: DPS 41.1% and 35 of 81 seats
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2018: Milo Đukanović (DPS), 53.90%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Portugal
  
  • 
     Madeira: the Social Democratic Party has dominated political life in the autonomous region of Madeira since the first regional elections, in 1976. Alberto João Jardim served as President of the Regional Government uninterruptedly from 1978 to 2015.
    
    
    
    • 
      Local elections, 2013: SDP 34.81%
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014 (in Madeira): SDP 31.0%
    
    
    • 
      Regional election, 2015: SDP 48.56% and 25 of 47 seats
    
    
    • 
      Portuguese legislative election, 2015 (in Madeira): SDP 37.8% and 3 of 6 seats
    
    
    • 
      Portuguese abortion referendum, 2007 (in Madeira) (The SDP was neutral, but is divided, however, important members, including the then leader, Luís Marques Mendes, say NO) No: 65.40%
    
    
    
    
  
  


• 
   San Marino
  
  
  
  • The Sammarinese Christian Democratic Party (PDCS) have always had a plurality of seats in the Grand and General Council since 1951, However it has not consistently formed the government. Currently since 2016 it is in opposition The predecessor of the PDCS the Sammarinese People's Party was already biggest party in 1920.
  
  
  • 
    General election, 2016: PDCS first round 24.46%, second round (in San Marino First alliance) 42.08%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Serbia
  
  
  
  • Serbian Progressive Party
  
  
  • In power since 2012
  
  
  • Led by Aleksandar Vučić, seven-term Prime Minister (2014-2017) and President (since 2017)
  
  
  • 
    Parliamentary election, 2016: SNS 48.25% and 93 of 250 seats
  
  
  • 
    Vojvodina parliamentary election, 2016: SNS 44.48% and 63 of 120
  
  
  • 
    Presidential election, 2017: Aleksandar Vučić, 55.06%
  
  
  
  


• 
   Spain
  
  • 
    Template:Andalusia
    
    
    
    • Majority in Andalusia since 1977 (except 2011 and 2016)
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: PSOE 35.13%
    
    
    • Came in second place in Andalusia to the People's Party in the General election, 2016 with 31.20% and won 20 of 61 seats
    
    
    • 
      Regional election, 2018: PSOE–A 27.95% and on 33 of 109 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  


• 
   United Kingdom
  
  
  
  • 
     England
    
    
    
    • Conservative Party
    
    
    • Majority in England since 2010
    
    
    • Leave support for the Brexit referendum, 2016: 53.4%
    
    
    • 
      Parliamentary election, 2017: Conservative 45.4% and won 296/97 of 533 seats
    
    
    • Came in third place in England to the UK Independence Party and Labour Party in the European Parliament election, 2014 with 24.9% and won 17 of 60 seats
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: Conservative 29.0% and 2 of 6 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Wales^[25][26][27]
    
    
    • Welsh Labour Party
    
    
    • In power in the devolved Welsh Assembly since 1999
    
    
    • Led by Carwyn Jones, seven-term First Minister (since 2009)
    
    
    • 
      Parliamentary election, 2017: Welsh Labour 48.9% and 28 out of 40 seats
    
    
    • 
      National Assembly for Wales elections, 2016: Welsh Labour 34.7% and 29 of 60 seats
    
    
    • 
      Local elections, 2017: Welsh Labour 35.2% and 472 of 1271 seats
    
    
    • The government's support for the Brexit referendum, 2016: 47.5%
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: Welsh Labour 28.15% and 1 of 4 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
     Scotland^[28]
    
    
    • Scottish National Party
    
    
    • In devolved government since 2007 (minority government: 2007-2011, 2016-present)
    
    
    • Led by Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister (since 2014)
    
    
    • 
      Parliamentary election, 2017: SNP 36.9% and 35 out of 59 seats
    
    
    • 
      Scottish Parliament election, 2016: SNP 46.5% and 63 of 129
    
    
    • The government's support for the Brexit referendum, 2016: 62.0%
    
    
    • 
      European Parliament election, 2014: SNP 29.0% and 2 of 6 seats
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Former dominant parties

North America

• 
   Canada: The Liberal Party of Canada was the dominant party in the federal government of Canada for so much of its history that it is sometimes given the moniker "Canada's natural governing party".^[29] The party ruled for most of the 20th century between 1935 and 1984 (the only exceptions being in 1957–1963 and 1979–1980), as well as 1896–1911, 1921–1930 (save a few months), and 1993–2006, with a total of 80 years governed in the past 120 years (As in 2018). After a decade in opposition, the Liberals have returned to power following the 2015 election.
  
  
  
  • 
     British Columbia: The Social Credit Party held power for all but 3 years between 1952 and 1991, winning 11 of the 12 elections held during this 39-year period.
  
  
  • 
     Alberta: The Social Credit Party governed Alberta from 1935 to 1971 and her sister party won all federal elections between 1935 and 1945, except for 1940, and the Alberta PC Party held power from 1971 to 2015.
  
  
  • 
     Newfoundland and Labrador: The Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador held power from confederation in 1949 until Joey Smallwood's resignation as Premier in 1972, during the hung Parliament created by the Newfoundland general election, 1971.
  
  
  • 
     Nova Scotia: The Nova Scotia Liberal Party, in the Province of Nova Scotia, held office in an unbroken period from 1882 to 1925. During the period from 1867 to 1956, the party was in power for 76 of 89 years, most of that time with fewer than 5 opposition members.
  
  
  • 
     Ontario: The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, in the Province of Ontario, held office uninterrupted from 1943 to 1985. And the Ontario Liberal Party, held power uninterrupted in Province's early history and occasional hiccups in later its history from 1871 to 1905, again in 1932 to 1943, 2003 to 2011 and lastly 2014 to 2018 periods prior to its collapse.
  
  
  • 
     Quebec: The Union Nationale, in the Province of Quebec, held office uninterrupted from 1944 until 1960 with Quiet revolution. And nearly with the Quebec Liberal Party throughout province's political history with start from 1897 to 1935, then a second time in 1985 and 1989, and lastly third time in 2003 and 2008 periods.
  
  
  
  

• 
   Mexico: The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and its predecessors (Partido Laborista Mexicano (PLM) (1920–1928), Partido Nacional Revolucionario (PNR) (1929–1938) and Partido de la Revolución Mexicana (PRM) (1938–1946)) in Mexico held the presidency from 1920 to 2000. The party governed all states until 1989 and controlled both chambers of congress until 1997. As of 2017, the PRI has continued an uninterrupted hold of the governorship in five states: Coahuila, Colima, Campeche, Hidalgo and the State of Mexico.

• 
   United States:
  
  
  
  • During the "Era of Good Feelings," the Democratic-Republican Party dominated national politics with no effective opposition from the Federalist Party or any third parties, allowing James Monroe to run unopposed in the 1820 presidential election. This dominance continued until the rise of the American Whig Party circa 1830.
  
  
  • From 1955 to 1981, the Democratic Party held a majority in both Houses of Congress.
  
  
  • 
    New England:
    
    
    
    • 
       New Hampshire had mostly Republican governors from 1857–1997 (140 years) – Republicans held the governorship for all but 15 years (were only twice out of office for more than two consecutive years)
    
    
    • 
       Vermont had only Republican governors from 1855–1963 (108 years)
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • 
    Southern United States:
    
    
    
    • The South (usually defined as coextensive with the former Confederacy) was known until the era of the civil rights movement as the "Solid South" due to its states' reliable support the then-conservative Democratic Party. Several states had an unbroken succession of Democratic governors for half a century to over a century.
      
      
      
      • 
         Alabama, 1874–1987 (113 years)
      
      
      • 
         Arkansas, 1874–1967 (93 years)
      
      
      • 
         Florida, 1877–1967 (90 years)
      
      
      • 
        Georgia, 1872–2003 (131 years)
      
      
      • 
         Louisiana, 1877–1980 (103 years)
      
      
      • 
         Mississippi, 1876–1992 (116 years)
      
      
      • 
         North Carolina, 1901–1973 (72 years)
      
      
      • 
         Oklahoma, 1907–1963 (56 years)
      
      
      • 
         South Carolina, 1876–1975 (99 years)
      
      
      • 
         Tennessee, 1883–1971 (88 years), with two interruptions
        
      
      
      • 
         Texas, 1874–1979 (105 years)
      
      
      • 
         Virginia, 1869–1970 (101 years)
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • During and after that movement, however, factors such as the national Democratic Party's support for the civil rights movement and the national Republican Party's "Southern strategy" since mid-1960s and support for the application of religious values to politics eroded the South's support for the Democrats.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Caribbean and Central America

• 
   Puerto Rico: The Popular Democratic Party in Puerto Rico from 1949 to 1969.


• 
   Antigua and Barbuda: The Antigua Labour Party in Antigua and Barbuda, 1960–1971 and 1976–2004.


• 
   Bermuda: The United Bermuda Party in Bermuda from 1968 to 1998.


• 
   Bahamas: The Progressive Liberal Party in the Bahamas from 1967 to 1992 and 2002–2007


• 
   Guatemala: The Conservative Party in Guatemala from 1847 and 1871. The Liberal Party in Guatemala from 1871 and 1944.


• 
   Nicaragua: The Partido Liberal Nacionalista of the Somoza family held effective control from the 1930s to 1979. It was never the sole legal party, but elections were often fraught with accusations of fraud and improbable results.

South America

• 
   Argentina: The National Autonomist Party (PAN) of Argentina from 1874 to 1916, Justicialist Party from 1946-1955, 1973-1976, 1989-1999 and 2001-2015.
  
  • 
     San Luis: The conservative Liberal Democratic Party ruled the province between 1922 and 1943.
  
  


• 
   Bolivia: The Revolutionary Nationalist Movement (MNR) in Bolivia from 1952 to 1964.


• 
   Brazil: The National Renewal Alliance Party (ARENA) in Brazil from 1965 to 1979 and the Workers' party (PT) led Centre-left grand coalition from 2002 to 2016


• 
   Colombia: The Liberal Party of Colombia from 1863 to 1880


• 
   Paraguay: The Colorado Party of Paraguay, 1880–1904 and 1947–2008. They were the sole legal party from 1947 to 1962.


• 
   Uruguay: The Colorado Party of Uruguay, between 1865 and 1959

Europe

• 
   Armenia: The Republican Party of Armenia from 1999 to 2018, which after the 2018 Armenian Revolution and the 2018 parliamentary election lost all its seats.

• 
   Austria
  
  
  
  • 
     Salzburg: The Salzburger Volkspartei, the ÖVP and the predecessors dominated Styria between 1919 and 2004.^[c]
    
  
  
  • 
     Styria: The Steirische Volkspartei, the ÖVP and the predecessors dominated Styria between 1907 and 2005.^[c]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   Spain
  
  • 
     Catalonia: Convergence and Union coalition (federated political party after 2001) in Catalonia governed the autonomous Catalan government from 1980 to 2003 under the leadership of Jordi Pujol with parliamentary absolute majority or in coalition with other smaller parties.
  
  


• 
   Croatia: The Croatian Democratic Union was in power from the first multi-party elections in 1990, when Croatia was still a constituent republic of SFR Yugoslavia, until it lost parliamentary and presidential elections in 2000. For most of the 1990s, the party had an absolute majority in both the Chamber of Representatives and the Chamber of Counties, while its chairman, Franjo Tuđman, was President of Croatia under a de facto superpresidential system of government until his death in 1999.


• 
   Germany
  
  
  
  • 
     Baden-Württemberg: The Christian Democratic Union of Germany ruled from 1953 to 2011 (in Baden and in Württemberg-Hohenzollern ruled the BCSV/CDU 1947–1952 and in Württemberg-Baden 1947–1951) and was biggest party until 2016 (except in Württemberg-Baden for 1950–1952), but is still biggest party at German federal elections^[30] and European Parliament elections.^[31] And in Baden was the Centre Party in Weimar republic biggest party until 1930.
  
  
  • 
     Bayern: The Christian Social Union in Bavaria held majority in the Landtag of Bavaria from 1966 to 2008 with the best vote ratio and supermajority in 2003 (60.6% and 124 of 180 seats) and, after a coalition government with the FDP, regained majority in 2013. Trends for the 2018 Bavarian state elections however predict, that the CSU will again need a coalition partner to govern.
  
  
  • 
     Saarland: The Christian Democratic Union of Germany and his predecessors ruled from 1919 to 1980. In Landatg elections, the CDU, the SVP, the CVP and the CSU-S together reached between 47.8% in 1955 and 54.7% in 1952,^[32] in Landesrat elections, the Center Party reached between 42.8% in 1924 and 47.7% in 1922,^[33] in the Election to the German National Assembly reached Z/BVP 47.0%,^[34] in the Saar status referendum, 1935 came the election recommendation of the German Front to 90.73%, in federal elections dominated the CDU/CSU (except for 1972)^[35] and in the European election 1979 won the CDU/CSU with 46.4%.^[36]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   Hungary: The Unity Party and the Party of National Unity (renamed Party of Hungarian Life in 1939) in the Kingdom of Hungary from 1922 to 1944.


• 
   Ireland: Ireland's Fianna Fáil was the largest party in Dáil Éireann between 1932 and 2011 and in power for 61 of those 79 years. However, the party were heavily defeated in the Irish general election, 2011, coming third.


• 
   Italy: Italy's Christian Democracy dominated the Italian politics for almost 50 years as the major party in every coalition that governed the country from 1944 until its demise amid a welter of corruption allegations in 1992–1994. The main opposition to the Christian democratic governments was the Italian Communist Party.
  
  • 
    Fassa Valley: The Ladin Autonomist Union dominated the Fassa Valley from 1983 to 2015.
  
  


• 
   Norway: The Norwegian Labour Party ruling from 1935 to 1965, though it has been the biggest party in Norway since 1927 and has been in power many other times.


• 
   Portugal: The Portuguese Republican Party, during most of the Portuguese First Republic's existence (1910–1926): After the coup that put an end to Portugal's constitutional monarchy in 1910, the electoral system, which had always ensured victory to the party in government, was left unchanged. Before 1910, it had been the reigning monarch's responsibility to ensure that no one party remain too long in government, usually by disbanding Parliament and calling for new elections. The republic's constitution added no such proviso, and the Portuguese Republican Party was able to keep the other minor republican parties (monarchic parties had been declared illegal) from winning elections. On the rare occasions when it was ousted from power, it was overthrown by force and was again by the means of a counter-coup that it returned to power, until its final fall, with the republic itself, in 1926.


• 
   Sweden: The Swedish Social Democratic Party in Sweden from 1932 to 2006 except only for some months in 1936 (1936–1939 and 1951–1957 in coalition with the Farmers' League, 1939–1945 at the head of a government of national unity), 1976-1982 and 1991-1994. The party is still the largest party in Sweden and has been so in every general election since 1917 (hence the largest party even before the universal suffrage was introduces in 1921). The former Prime minister and party leader Tage Erlander led the Swedish government for an uninterrupted tenure of 23 years (1946–1969), the longest in any democracy so far. Since 2006 the party support has declined.


• 
   Turkey: In Turkey's single-party period, the Republican People's Party became the major political organisation of a single-party state. However, CHP faced two opposition parties during this period, both established upon the request of the founder of Turkey and CHP leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, in efforts to jump-start multiparty democracy in Turkey.^[37]
  


• 
   United Kingdom: The Conservative and Unionist Party held power alone or as the largest coalition partner from 1916 to 1923, from 1924 to 1929, from 1931 to 1945, from 1951 to 1964, from 1970 to 1974 and from 1979 to 1997 – in total 61 out of 81 years from 1916 to 1997.
  
  
  
  • 
     Scotland: The Scottish Labour Party won every election to the House of Commons in Scotland from 1964 to 2015, where it was heavily defeated and reduced to 1 seat.^[38] It controlled the Scottish Parliament from its inception in 1999 until the 2007 election where it lost to the SNP.^[39]
    
  
  
  • 
     Northern Ireland: The Ulster Unionist Party in the former devolved administration of Northern Ireland between 1921 and 1972.^[40]
    
  
  
  
  


• 
   FR Yugoslavia: The Socialist Party of Serbia in FR Yugoslavia from 1944/5 (Sole legal party, 1945–1990) to 2000.

Asia

• 
   Philippines: The Nacionalista Party in the Philippines was the dominant party during various times in the nation's history from 1916–1941, and on 1945. From 1978 to 1986 Kilusang Bagong Lipunan operated as a dominant party.


• 
   India: The Indian National Congress held power both at the Union and at many states from its Independence in 1947 to 1977, and from 1980 to 1989. It formed minority governments from 1991 to 1996, and from 2004 to 2014.^[41]
  


• 
   Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, the Awami League was the country's predominant political party between 1972 and 1975 and from 2009 to present. After the military coup of 1975, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) became the dominant political force between 1977 and 1982. Under the autocratic regime of General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, the Jatiya Party was the dominant party between 1986 and 1990. Currently, Bangladesh Awami League again has become the dominant political force since 2008.


• 
   Cambodia: The Democratic Party was the dominant party in Cambodia from 1946 to 1955, The Sangkum in Cambodia was the dominant party under Prince Norodom Sihanouk as head of government from 1955 to 1970. Under the Khmer Republic the Social Republican Party was the dominant party under General Lon Nol from 1972 to 1975.


• 
   Burma: The Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League in Burma (now Myanmar) from 1948 to 1962. The Union Solidarity and Development Party from 2011 to 2016 (as a military junta from 1988 to 2011).


• 
   Republic of China: The Kuomintang established a de facto one-party state in the Republic of China on the mainland and subsequently on Taiwan until political liberalization and the lifting of martial law in the late 1980s. The Kuomintang continued to dominate the political system until the victory of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party in the 2000 presidential election. Kuomintang maintained control of the Legislative Yuan until 2016.


• 
   South Korea: Liberal Party (South Korea) in power 1948–1960, Democratic Republican Party (South Korea) in power 1962–1980, Democratic Justice Party in power 1980–1990, Democratic Liberal Party (South Korea) in power 1990-1995 and New Korea Party in power 1995-1997.


• 
   South Vietnam: South Vietnam Personalist Labor Revolutionary Party in power 1955–1963, National Social Democratic Front in power 1969-1975.


• 
   Indonesia: The Golkar (Acronym of Golongan Karya or Functional Group) in Indonesia from 1971 to 1999.


• 
   Israel: Mapai in Israel was the dominant party from the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 until merging into present-day Israeli Labor Party in 1968. The Labor Party started losing influence in the 1970s, particularly following the Yom Kippur War, and eventually lost power in the 1977 election. The Labor Party continued to participate in several coalition governments until 2009.


• 
   Malaysia: Barisan Nasional, in power from 1957 to 2018, defeated in 2018 election.

Africa

• 
   South Africa: The National Party in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.


• 
   Egypt: The National Democratic Party (NDP) of Egypt, under various names, from 1952 to 2011 (as Arab Socialist Union, sole legal party 1953–1978)


• 
   Nigeria: People's Democratic Party (PDP) was in power from May 29, 1999 till May 29, 2015 when the opposition party All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential election in 2015.


• 
   Tunisia: The Democratic Constitutional Rally in Tunisia, 1956–2011 (as the sole legal party between 1963 and 1981)


• 
   Senegal: The Socialist Party in Senegal from 1960 to 2000.


• 
   Rhodesia: The Rhodesian Front in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), under the leadership of Ian Smith, from 1965 to 1980.


• 
   The Gambia: The People's Progressive Party in The Gambia from 1962 to 1994. The Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction under Yahya Jammeh from 1996 to 2017, with Jammeh ruling first under a Junta after a coup from 1994 to 1996.


• 
   Burkina Faso: The Congress for Democracy and Progress from 1996 to 2014, under Blaise Compaoré, who ruled first as an independent after a coup from 1987 to 1989, then leads Organization for Popular Democracy – Labour Movement from 1989 to 1996.

• 
   Seychelles: The People's Party (until 2009 Seychelles People's Progressive Front) on the Seychelles from 1977 to 2016, as the sole legal party between 1979 and 1991.


• 
   Zambia: The Movement for Multiparty Democracy in Zambia from 1991 to 2011.

Oceania

• 
   Australia: The Liberal Party held power federally from 1949 to 1972 and from 1975 to 1983 (31 out of 34 years).
  
  
  
  • 
     Northern Territory: The Country Liberal Party held power from the granting of self-government in 1978 to 2001 (23 years).
  
  
  • 
     New South Wales: The Labor Party held power from 1941 to 1965 (24 years), and from 1976 to 1988 and 1995 to 2011 (28 out of 35 years) – in total 52 out of 70 years from 1941 to 2011.
  
  
  • 
     Queensland: The Labor Party held power from 1915 to 1929 and from 1932 to 1957 (39 out of 42 years). The National Party then held power from 1957 to 1989 (32 years).
  
  
  • 
     South Australia: The Liberal and Country League held power from 1933 to 1965 (32 years). The Labor Party held power from 1970 to 1979, from 1982 to 1993 and from 2002 to 2018 (26 out of 38 years).
  
  
  • 
     Tasmania: The Labor Party held power from 1934 to 1969 and from 1972 to 1982 (45 out of 48 years), from 1989 to 1992, and from 1998 to 2014 (16 years) – in total 64 out of 80 years from 1934 to 2014.
  
  
  • 
     Victoria: The Liberal Party held power from 1955 to 1982 (27 years).
  
  
  • 
     Western Australia: The Liberal Party held power from 1947 to 1983 with two one-term interruptions between 1953 to 1956 and 1971 to 1974 (30 out 36 years).
  
  
  
  


• 
   New Zealand: National held power in New Zealand from 1949 to 1984 with two one-term interruptions between 1957 to 1960 and 1972 to 1975 (29 out of 35 years).

Note

See also

• List of democracy and elections-related topics


• Loyal opposition


• Separation of powers


• Soft despotism

References