In 2003, the party membership stood at 1.8 million people, which is 18 percent of the population.

Party membership increased from around 100 to 4,500 by the early 1950s; most members were either teachers or students.

In the last 18 months, party membership has dropped by 100,000, to 780,000 members.

A second chamber with no party membership allowed would help too.

In the next two years party membership soared from 2,500 to over 12,000.

"I really don't think party membership will matter to him," she says.

A large part of the party membership was forced into exile.

He was also stood down as a candidate and his party membership suspended.

Holding onto party membership can be important for senior officials who still hope to make a comeback.

Politics and party membership had a direct effect on family finances.