General Election 2015: what is a coalition government?

Voters face waking up to a hung parliament tomorrow morning, which could lead to a coalition government leading the country.

A coalition government is formed when the general election does not produce a clear majority for a single party.

The rise of marginal parties, such as the SNP and the Greens, mean more seats are being taken away from the two major parties – resulting in no group winning the overall majority.

Party leaders hold discussions with the help of civil servants and try to come to an agreement for a coalition leadership.

A coalition government was formed after the General Election in 2010 between the Conservative and Liberal Democrats after there was a hung parliament.

Labour remained in power while negotiations were made.