multiparty system

A multiparty system is a political system where three or more political parties have the capacity to gain control of the government, separately or in coalition. This contrasts with a two-party system, where only two major parties dominate, and a single-party system, where one party holds all power.123

Multiparty systems are common in Western Europe and tend to develop in countries with proportional representation electoral systems, which allow smaller parties to gain legislative seats. These systems often require coalition governments, as no single party typically secures a majority. While this can lead to less stability than two-party systems, it also allows for a broader representation of diverse interests and ideologies. The specific dynamics of multiparty systems can vary based on party discipline and the formation of alliances, such as bipolarized coalitions or centrist alliances.24