Fascism, as a political ideology, indeed displays a deeply ambivalent stance towards parliamentary democracy. This ambivalence stems from its opportunistic use of democratic mechanisms to gain power, followed by its fundamental ideological rejection and subsequent dismantling of democratic institutions.

Initially, fascist movements, such as those led by Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany, often participated in parliamentary politics. They formed political parties, contested elections, and utilized democratic freedoms of speech and assembly to propagate their ideology and mobilize support. This was a pragmatic strategy to achieve legitimacy and access the levers of power. For instance, Hitler's Nazi Party gained significant electoral victories before consolidating power, and Mussolini's 'March on Rome' was ultimately legitimized by the King's appointment, not a direct coup.

However, once in power, fascism's true anti-democratic nature became evident. Ideologically, fascism views parliamentary democracy as inherently weak, inefficient, divisive, and corrupt. It criticizes democracy for:

1. Divisiveness: Fascists believe that multi-party systems and open debate lead to national disunity and factionalism, preventing the nation from acting with a single will.
2. Weakness and indecision: They perceive democratic processes as slow and indecisive, incapable of effective action, especially in times of crisis. They advocate for a strong, centralized, authoritarian state led by a charismatic leader (Duce or Führer) who embodies the national will.
3. Individualism over collectivism: Fascism prioritizes the nation and the state above the individual. It rejects liberal democratic emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, viewing them as detrimental to national strength and unity.
4. Lack of organic unity: Fascists believe in an organic, hierarchical society where different groups serve the state, rather than a society based on individual equality and political competition.

Consequently, once fascists secured power, they systematically dismantled democratic institutions: suppressing opposition parties, curtailing civil liberties, controlling the media, and establishing a one-party totalitarian state. Elections, if held, became mere plebiscites to legitimize the regime. Thus, fascism's ambivalence is characterized by its tactical embrace of democracy as a means to an end, followed by its complete ideological and practical repudiation of democratic principles and structures once its objectives are achieved.