minor party

noun

1. a political party with so little electoral strength that its chance of gaining control of the government is slight.

Word History and Origins

Origin of minor party¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

But Act - a minor party in the ruling centre-right coalition - say this has resulted in the country being divided by race, and the bill will allow the treaty to be interpreted more fairly through parliament, rather than the courts.

From BBC

The majority said the disputed email was “an unfortunate mistake” but noted the state employee had directed the Green Party to the “Minor Party Qualification Guide,” which set out the required forms for gathering signatures.

From Los Angeles Times

"Minor party candidates cannot withdraw, so his name will remain on the ballot in the November election," Cheri Hardmon, a spokesperson for Michigan's secretary of state, said in a statement to The Detroit News.

From Salon

The attention to an often-overlooked minor party underscored the tug of war over right-leaning, independent-minded voters.

From New York Times

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal called the vote in Nepal’s lower house of parliament after a minor party in his coalition broke apart and its members withdrew support from the government.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• mediator