With reference and citation, define a multiparty system.

A multiparty system is a political system in which multiple political parties have the capacity to gain control of government offices, either separately or in coalition. In a multiparty system, no single party typically has a majority of seats in the legislature, leading to a more diverse representation of political views and interests.

According to political scientist Giovanni Sartori, a multiparty system is characterized by "the presence of a number of parties, each of which has a significant level of electoral support." This allows for a greater range of political ideologies and policy options to be represented in the government.

In a multiparty system, parties may form coalitions or alliances in order to govern effectively, as no single party is likely to have a majority of seats in the legislature. This can lead to more compromise and negotiation in the decision-making process, as parties must work together to pass legislation and implement policies.

Overall, a multiparty system is seen as a more pluralistic and inclusive form of government, as it allows for a wider range of voices and perspectives to be represented in the political process.

Source:
Sartori, Giovanni. "Parties and Party Systems: A Framework for Analysis." Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Definition:

A multiparty system is a political system in which multiple political parties exist and compete for power in elections (Cox, 1997; Powell, 2000).

Citation:

- Cox, G. W. (1997). Making votes count: Strategic coordination in the world's electoral systems. Cambridge University Press.
- Powell, G. B. (2000). Elections as instruments of democracy: Majoritarian and proportional systems. Yale University Press.