A coalition government is a form of government where two or more political parties cooperate to share executive power, usually because no single party has won an absolute majority in the legislature after an election
. This arrangement involves negotiation and compromise among the parties to form a joint administration with a common program and shared responsibilities, often formalized in a coalition agreement
. Key characteristics of coalition governments:
- They typically arise in parliamentary systems with proportional representation or in situations where no party secures a clear majority
- Coalition governments can be majority coalitions (holding more than 50% of legislative seats) or minority coalitions (relying on external support to govern)
- They may also be formed during national crises (e.g., wartime or economic difficulties) to ensure political stability and legitimacy, sometimes including all major parties in a "grand coalition"
- Coalition governments require ongoing cooperation and compromise, which can lead to more inclusive and balanced policymaking but may also slow down decision-making and cause instability if disagreements arise
Advantages:
- Broader representation of diverse political views.
- More inclusive and moderate policy outcomes.
- Potentially greater political legitimacy and stability when well-managed
Disadvantages:
- Slower and more complex policymaking due to the need for consensus.
- Risk of government instability if coalition partners disagree or withdraw support
In summary, a coalition government is a power-sharing arrangement among multiple political parties to form a functioning government when no single party can govern alone, balancing cooperation with political diversity and often requiring compromise for effective governance
