Party Coalition in Guinea-Bissau

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Abstract

This study examines the formation and maintenance of party coalitions in Guinea-Bissau. During the transition to multipartism in the 1990s, the country witnessed the formation of new political parties and subsequently the first party coalitions, with the aim of ensuring a sufficient number of seats to support government projects in parliament. Empirical literature review reveals that some coalitions contributed to the consolidation of democratic principles and political stability in the short term, while others were considered opportunistic, seeking personal gains. The findings indicate that the formation and effectiveness of party coalitions are influenced by various factors, such as the nature of the political regime, the electoral system, the laws governing political parties and coalitions, social and ideological factors, the personality of coalition leaders, and the institutionalization of democratic principles. The influence of leaders and the fragility of party structures affect the institutionalization of coalitions and their political alliances. Moreover, the country’s economic fragility, particularly in generating employment opportunities, leads parties to form principle-less coalitions in an attempt to stay in government and fulfill their personal and party demands. Therefore, a coalition agreement with clear governance policies is necessary, allowing the involved parties to adopt common policies, ensuring consensus, shared objectives, and visions to maintain governmental stability.