What is a cadre party?

A cadre party is a political organization primarily composed of a small, dedicated group of leaders and activists who are deeply committed to the party's ideology and goals. Unlike mass parties, which seek broad public support and membership, cadre parties focus on maintaining a tight-knit structure and often prioritize discipline and loyalty among their members. They typically engage in strategic decision-making and often operate through established networks to influence political outcomes. Cadre parties are more common in systems where political competition is limited or where strong ideological coherence is essential.