That's what parties originally were. Platforms that gained enough support to form a party around it.

The problem is that every popular thing always becomes corrupted because those who seek power recognize its usefulness as a tool to manipulate people & are drawn toward controlling that tool.

The root issue isn't so much parties' existence as it is people remaining loyal to parties without informing themselves on issues or holding party leaders accountable--Or worse yet, inheriting & relying on parties to hold their hands, do all their thinking for them, & tell them what to do, as opposed to the reverse or at least being independent. When people get too comfortable with a status quo or prioritize ease over quality, they stop paying attention, caring, or trying, and that's when corruption easily settles in, subverts, & exploits.

This is why a lazy mind will always grind.