The Fragmentation of United Development Party: The Study of the Causes of Internal Fragmentation (2014-2016)

Abstract

During 2014-2016 PPP experienced the most severe and prolonged internal fragmentation in its history. The emergence of the twin Board of the Central Committee since October 2014 cemented the fragmentation that had actually occurred since the beginning of 2014. Some people relate this phenomenon to the interests of the elites. However, the interest of the elites itself is something inevitable and in many cases is not necessarily the cause for prolonged fragmentation. The aim of this article, hence, is to explain the factors that lead to the internal fragmentation. This article regards three main root-cause of the problem namely, (1) the weak leadership, in particular the absence of a strong patron, which facilitated cadres’ unrestricted freedom of action and their inability to maintain the party unity, (2) the lack of ideological bond, that leads to the growth of exclusive-pragmatism, and (3) external factors, namely the government and coalition partner that are eager to preserve each conflicting group position.