In what ways can minor parties impact elections in this country?

China considers itself socialistic, but it is nowhere near that. Socialism is defined as all markets are owned and controlled by the state. In the past that was true as 100% of the businesses were state run. Now it is less then 30% and more and more of that is handed over to private enterprise. China has a country wide free market system. Anyone can participate in it, including myself ... keep it spongy.