The Power of Not Going It Alone

When we hear the term minority government, the first reaction is often concern. Without a majority of seats in the legislature, how can a government possibly function? Isn’t instability inevitable? While it’s true that minority governments present challenges, they also open the door to a powerful, often underutilized force in politics: collaboration.

In a majority government, the ruling party can pass legislation with relative ease, often without needing the support of opposition parties. This can speed up decision-making, but it can also lead to policies that lack broad consensus. In contrast, minority governments must negotiate, compromise, and build support across party lines to govern effectively. That process, though slower, often produces more balanced and thoughtful legislation.

Collaboration becomes the currency of a successful minority government. Policy is shaped not in isolation, but through dialogue, debate, and partnership. This dynamic can encourage more diverse perspectives to be considered and prevent any one party from pushing through an unchecked agenda.

There are plenty of real-world examples of minority governments achieving meaningful progress. Often, it’s during these periods that some of the most innovative and widely supported policies are born—precisely because they require input from across the political spectrum. In this way, minority governments can more accurately reflect the electorate’s diverse views, leading to decisions that resonate with a broader base.

Of course, minority governments aren’t without risks. They can fall more easily, and partisan gridlock is always a possibility. But when leaders embrace collaboration rather than resist it, they can turn a perceived weakness into a democratic strength.

In an age of increasing political polarisation, perhaps minority governments remind us of a simple truth: that working together—even with those we disagree with—can lead to better outcomes for all.