What is Coalition Partners

Political coalitions have a deep history which transcends geographical boundaries. The rationale for establishing them varies. In the absence of a guiding framework, coalitions become unsustainable. The aim of this chapter is threefold. Firstly, it traces the history of coalition politics. Secondly, it discusses prospects for successful coalitions. Thirdly, it considers challenges involved in coalition politics. While conceding that coalitions are a global phenomenon, the chapter focuses on Africa. It argues that since the dawn of democracy in Africa, different forms of coalitions have been used with different results. As the number of political parties increase in each election, coalitions have become a reality.