The main distinguishing features of NGOs and movements

Parties grow out of social movements and organizations. Social movements and organizations form the social environment in which political parties operate. They complement the actions of parties or prevent the spread of their influence on society, and serve as a basis for restructuring existing parties or creating new ones.

A non-governmental organization has some features in common with a political party and at the same time differs significantly from it. It is similar to a political party in that it is a voluntary association of citizens, has an organizational structure, and operates on the basis of self-government. Unlike a political party, a non-governmental organization is usually not an ideological community and does not aim to gain state power. The main purpose of its creation and activities is to meet the interests and needs of its members. In democratic states, the right to freedom of association in political parties and public organizations is constitutionally recognized as one of the most important political rights. However, the right to freedom of association in political parties, as well as the right to exercise state power and participate in its exercise is recognized only for citizens, while foreign citizens and stateless persons may also be members of public organizations.

Criteria for distinguishing between movements and parties:

• Ideological: while a party can be defined as a certain ideological community tied to a particular political ideology, such identification is not required for social and political movements.
• Goal or focus: while the programs of political parties are a multi-purpose reflection of socio-political doctrines, movements are focused on achieving a separate, clearly defined specific goal, which under certain conditions can be transformed into a universal goal.
• Attitude to power: social and political movements do not aim to gain state power, which is typical for political parties. Unlike the latter, movements are not part of state institutions with any of their structures, but they are, however, part of the political system of society.
• Organization: Unlike parties, movements do not have strong long-term organizational structures. Movements can unite people of different party affiliations to achieve certain political goals.