Definition
When no single party wins an outright majority in parliamentary elections, forcing coalition negotiations or minority government. Democracy's version of no one getting to sit at the cool table, so everyone awkwardly shares.
Example Usage
The election resulted in a hung parliament, with three parties spending weeks negotiating a coalition agreement to form a government.
Origin
British parliamentary terminology from the 19th century, describing a 'hung' or balanced situation where no party dominates.
Fun Fact
Belgium's 2010-2011 hung parliament lasted 541 days without forming a government, setting a world record and inspiring jokes that the country functioned better without one.
Source: Parliamentary electoral systems terminology
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