The less willing parties are to bargain, the more likely they will end up with a minority government. This is especially likely when polarization coincides with factionalism and systemic party political instability. In some cases, the formation of a minority government represents intense legislative conflict. The parties are too deeply divided to agree on a coalition capable of positive action.Taiwan's situation displays precisely these characteristics.
Yet the question remains, if minority governments are such poor performers, why are they so common? And if these cabinets are so frequently formed, why have there been so few crises of democracy in postwar Europe?
The point is that government performance is a matter not only of how effectively, but also of in what way cabinets attain legislative coalitions at all. In contrast to most majority governments, the process by which a minority cabinet is formed does not necessarily explain how it stays in power.
If we are to understand minority governments, we need to grasp the mechanisms by which these cabinets secure whatever viability and effectiveness they can. It involves mainly the extent to which the minority government is able to coordinate with its counterparts in the legislature to win a de facto majority.
To prove that it can rule by itself, some DPP members have shown greater interest in the formation of a DPP-led minority government. The best timing would have been the end of this year or the beginning of next year. Many DPP heavyweights, mostly from the leading New Tide faction, have urged the party to form a stronger Cabinet as soon as possible in order to win next year's elections. The latest development has largely followed this direction and that is why it has thus far won the support of many DPP members.
In spite of factional interests, a minority government may serve as a better, if only a transitional, scenario for Chen's administration. For one thing, the DPP Cabinet still has about a year to carry out its policies and demonstrate its capabilities to the people. Moreover, if the DPP wins over half the seats at the next legislative election, or at least becomes a near-majority party, this will increase the possibility of the ruling party consolidating its position. If not, we will witness a further development in party realignment in Taiwan.
Liu Kuan-teh is a political commentator based in Taipei.
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