One-party state

The term "de facto one-party state" is sometimes used to describe a dominant-party system that, unlike a one-party state, allows (at least nominally) multiparty elections, but the existing practices or balance of political power effectively prevent the opposition from winning power.

[3] With such a small winning coalition, leaders in one-party states usually lack the incentive to care about the well-being of citizens.

[4] In doing so, the party avoids committing outright fraud and rather sustains their power at the local level with strategic appointment of elites.

[5] As of 2025, the following countries are legally constituted as one-party states: A de facto one-party system is one that, while not officially linking a single political party to governmental power, utilizes some means of political manipulation to ensure only one party stays in power.

establishment 1993 (Recognized state) Scientific socialism, Somali nationalism Yemeni Socialist Party