Question

What is the role of opposition party in democracy?

Answer 1

The Opposition's main role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the public. National Party leader Dr Don Brash says the Opposition represents an alternative government, and is responsible for challenging the policies of the government and producing different policies where appropriate.

Answer 2

Functions of Opposition party

(1) To check the government from becoming authoritarian and to restrict its powers, the opposition parties keep a watch over them.

(2) The main duty of the opposition party is to criticize the policies of the government.

(3) Outside the legislature the opposition parties attract the attention of the press and report their criticism of the government policy in the news papers.

(4) The opposition parties have the right to check the expenditure of the government also.

(5) During the question hour, the opposition parties criticism the government generally.