The efficiency of a political system lies in its capacity to promote social consensus, and the vitality of a political system is decided by its ability to adapt to the changes of the times, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

The parliamentary election in Italy lets us see how important the political system is for one country's sustainable development.

Western scholars always think the sustainability of the political system decides whether a country can become strong. They highly acknowledge the sustainability of the political system of the West and regard this as the fundamental advantage of the West. Yet the Italian parliamentary election tells us that efficiency and vitality are another two aspects of a political system's sustainability.

Elections in some European countries have the common result that the final victory only belongs to some voters and the prospects of the country's development become more perplexing. Some European observers say only through institutional reform can Italy solve its fundamental economic issues, but the problem is who can push this kind of reform.

The European countries are gradually losing their vitality because of their political systems, which are claimed as the foundation for the stability, democracy and freedom of the industrialized countries. However, it is quite difficult for politicians to start the institutional reform of their political system. Many are willing to conclude the merits of the Western political system, yet they seldom reflect on the shortcomings, especially the current financial crisis' challenge to the political systems.

The plurality of development paths is one main characteristic of the plurality of human civilizations. But only efficient and vigorous political systems that can adapt to the changes of the times can bring sustainable vitality and prosperity to the countries implementing the systems.