A splinter party is a political party that breaks away from a larger, usually more established, political party. This typically happens due to disagreements over policies, leadership, or ideological differences. Members of the splinter group often feel that their views are not adequately represented by the original party, leading them to form a new party that aligns more closely with their beliefs.
Splinter parties can have a significant impact on the political landscape. They may draw support away from the original party, potentially weakening its influence. In some cases, splinter parties can grow to become major political forces themselves, especially if they manage to attract a substantial number of followers who share their dissenting views.
Historically, splinter parties have played crucial roles in shaping political systems. For example, the formation of new parties can lead to shifts in political power, changes in policy direction, and even the realignment of entire political systems. While not all splinter parties achieve long-term success, their emergence often signals underlying tensions and divisions within the political establishment.