Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE representative ( representative_id number, name text, state text, party text, lifespan text )
TABLE: CREATE TABLE election ( election_id number, representative_id number, date text, votes number, vote_percent number, seats number, place number )

### Question ###
How many distinct parties are there for representatives?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(DISTINCT party) FROM representative