Political Party Systems and Democratic Development in East and Southeast Asia

<p>First published in 1998 this is the second of two volumes which will be of great value to scholars and students of politics in East and Southeast Asia. A rich readable reference tool they offer extensive surveys of the history structure culture legal context and financing as well as the progress travails and prospects of political parties and electoral systems in 13 countries. The excellent introduction and the detailed country case studies demonstrate the wide range of political experiences in Asia. Rather than affirm the thesis of a common set of Asian values hostile to democracy they show that in much of East and Southeast Asia people want the political choice and accountability that come from free and fair electoral competition with open effective political parties.</p>