THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERPARTY COALITION-BUILDING IN PRESIDENTIAL DEMOCRACY
Abstract
In democratic systems, political parties compete for support, mobilizing support behind distinct sets of
policy proposals and political values. When in power, they seek to implement their vision. In opposition,
they critique or present alternatives to ruling party proposals, helping to hold the government accountable
by contributing to oversight of the executive. This competition of ideas encourages each party to refine its
own proposals and seek common ground with others; it can also result in better outcomes for the public.
Thus political pluralism and competition are necessary for democracy to function. Presidential system
requires a grand coalition, not just minimum winning coalition, but the coalition government that is
supported by an absolute majority of political parties in parliament. Grand coalition itself is possible
because of the policies and attitudes of political parties were generally pragmatic. With the grand coalition,
the president does not depend on a particular party because there is no dominant. The grand coalition
that bringing together political parties and non-parties is very effective for the Presidential democracy,
because it will get political support and public support at a time. Indeed, there is no guarantee of political
parties coalition members would always support the President’s policy, otherwise a grand coalition made
the position of President strong because it does not depend on a particular political party entirely. Grand
coalition is more effective when bonded to the government development agenda and priorities of mutual
interest, so that members of the coalition would give its full support to the President.