The Impact of Presidentialism and Multi-Party Systems

Presidentialism combined with multi-party systems can lead to instability, a point emphasized by political scientists like Juan Linz and Scott Mainwaring. The historical perspective noted that countries with this combination often faced challenges, especially when presidents lacked clear mechanisms to address unpopularity, which in Latin America frequently led to military coups. Yet, the landscape shifted post-1978, revealing examples of stable multi-party presidential systems in countries like Costa Rica and Colombia, where two or two-and-a-half party frameworks dominated. This shift in understanding highlights that stability is possible, prompting scholars to explore the concept of coalition presidentialism, where governing coalitions play a significant role in ensuring the system functions effectively.