Why it matters
Coalitions shape which policies are possible, and disagreements between partners can bring governments down.
Coalition government in the news
More Politics terms
Politics
Parliament
A country's elected law-making body, which passes laws, approves budgets and holds the government to account.
Politics
Election commission
The independent body that organises elections, registers voters and enforces election rules.
Politics
Opposition party
The political parties in parliament that are not part of the government and challenge its policies.