In the modern world, most nations adopt multi-party systems that allow for a diversity of political opinions and competition in elections. However, some countries still function under a single-party system, where only one political party is legally permitted to hold power.
These systems typically do not allow political competition, often citing national unity, ideological consistency, or historical necessity as justification.
Below are some current examples of countries with single-party political systems, each with their own unique context and governance structure.
China
The People's Republic of China is the most prominent and populous example of a one-party state. Governed solely by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since 1949, China does not allow any political opposition to challenge its rule.
The CCP holds all key positions in the most important aspects which are government, military, and media.
While a few other parties exist under the umbrella of the United Front — such as the China Democratic League and the Chinese Peasants’ and Workers’ Democratic Party — these are largely ceremonial and serve no real opposition role.
The Chinese constitution enshrines the leadership of the Communist Party as fundamental to the country’s political system. Elections occur at the local level, but candidates must be approved by the CCP, and meaningful political dissent is heavily suppressed.
North Korea
Officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea is ruled exclusively by the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), which has maintained unchallenged control since the country’s founding in 1948.
While the political system includes two other minor parties — the Korean Social Democratic Party and the Chondoist Chongu Party — these are subordinate to the WPK and exist mainly to create the illusion of political diversity.
The Kim dynasty has led the country for three generations, with Kim Jong-un currently holding absolute authority. Elections are held for the Supreme People’s Assembly, but all candidates are pre-selected by the ruling party, and voters are expected to support them unanimously.
The North Korean state merges party loyalty with personal loyalty to the Kim family, and any form of dissent is met with severe punishment.
Viet Nam
Viet Nam is governed by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), which has maintained a monopoly on political power since the reunification of North and South Viet Nam in 1976.
The CPV controls all levels of government, and while the country has introduced market-oriented economic reforms since the 1980s, its political system remains strictly one-party.
The National Assembly is the highest legislative body, but its members are overwhelmingly composed of CPV-approved candidates.
The government tightly monitors political activity, and independent political parties or civil society organizations are not permitted.
While Viet Nam has made significant economic progress in recent decades, political freedoms remain limited, with heavy restrictions on media, expression, and assembly.
Laos
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has been a single-party state since 1975, led exclusively by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).
The LPRP emerged victorious in the civil war that followed the Vietnam War, and since then, it has maintained firm control over the country’s political life.
Like Vietnam, Laos has pursued economic liberalization while maintaining strict political orthodoxy. The National Assembly of Laos is dominated by members of the LPRP or those closely aligned with it.
Opposition parties are banned, and there is little tolerance for dissent or political activism outside the framework of the ruling party.
The government exerts control over media, civil society, and religious organizations, ensuring that the LPRP remains the sole political force in the country.
Eritrea
Eritrea is often cited as one of the most authoritarian countries in the world. Since gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993, the country has been ruled by the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), which is the only legal political party.
The promised democratic constitution, drafted in 1997, has never been implemented, and national elections have never taken place. President Isaias Afwerki has led the country since independence, and no other political groups are permitted to operate.
The government justifies its control by citing national security and the ongoing tension with Ethiopia, although relations between the two countries have somewhat improved in recent years.
Independent media is banned, and political dissent is met with imprisonment or forced disappearance. The result is a highly centralized, militarized state with no political freedoms.
Cuba
Cuba is another notable example of a one-party state, governed by the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro. The PCC is explicitly recognized in the Cuban constitution as the leading force of society and the state.
While Cuba holds elections for its National Assembly, only candidates approved by the PCC can run. There are no opposition parties allowed to participate in the political process.
In recent years, there have been modest economic reforms, particularly under former President Raúl Castro, but political reform has lagged far behind.
The government maintains tight control over media, speech, and public assembly. Although some Cubans have begun advocating for broader freedoms, the one-party system remains deeply entrenched.
