democratic centralism

Democratic centralism is a Leninist principle adopted by communist states and their ruling communist parties. It has also been adopted as the organizational principle of non-ruling communist parties, "transmission belt" organizations, and other units operating within communist state systems, as well as by some non-communist organizations. Democratic centralism combines structured participation and consultation within a unified system of organs, so that decisions, once debated and adopted, are then meant to be implemented uniformly throughout the organization.

As a system, democratic centralism is associated with a unified, pyramid-like structure of organs, with a supreme organ at the apex and lower-level organs beneath it. Democratic centralism practices both vertical and horizontal accountability, and calls this dual subordination. Vertically, organs are accountable to their electors and are expected to report to and be supervised by higher-level organs. Decisions adopted at higher levels are binding on subordinate organs and members. Horizontal accountability entails that organs are accountable to the leading organ at their corresponding level. Democratic centralist systems typically rely on collective leadership, institutionalized cadre systems, and regulated consultation to formulate policy, while regulatory enforcement mechanisms, such as party-control organs, are tasked with safeguarding rules, party discipline, organizational unity, compliance with adopted decisions, and combatting corruption.