Coalition politics refers to the practice where two or more political parties cooperate to form a government or pursue common political goals, especially when no single party has an absolute majority in the legislature. This cooperation involves negotiation, compromise, and power-sharing arrangements among the parties involved.
Key Aspects of Coalition Politics
- Coalition Government : This occurs when multiple political parties join together to form a government, sharing executive power. It typically happens in parliamentary systems where no party wins a clear majority of seats. Coalition governments require parties to negotiate a coalition agreement outlining shared policies and goals
- Formation and Functioning : Parties must compromise on policies and agree on power distribution, including ministerial positions. The coalition agreement serves as a blueprint for governance. The coalition must often secure a vote of confidence from the legislature to govern effectively
- Types of Coalitions :
- Surplus Majority Coalition : Controls more than the necessary majority of seats.
- Minority Coalition : Does not hold a majority but governs with support from other parties
- Purpose and Context : Coalitions can form during normal political circumstances or in times of crisis (e.g., wartime or economic difficulty) to provide stability and legitimacy. They help reduce political strife by bringing diverse parties together
- Legislative Coalitions : Sometimes parties form coalitions only for legislative purposes, aligning votes on specific policies without sharing executive power. This is less formal than a coalition government
- Advantages and Challenges :
- Advantages include broader representation, inclusive policymaking, and moderation of policies.
- Challenges involve slower decision-making, potential instability due to internal disagreements, and diluted policy outcomes
- Coalition Politics Beyond Governments : Coalitions also exist in international relations and political movements where actors coordinate temporarily to achieve common goals without merging identities or interests
In summary, coalition politics is a form of political cooperation where multiple parties collaborate to govern or achieve shared objectives, especially when no single party can govern alone. It involves negotiation, compromise, and power-sharing to maintain stability and represent diverse interests within a political system
