Underflokkur

Underflokkur is a term used in Icelandic politics to describe a political party that has a significant number of members but fails to win any seats in the Althing, the Icelandic parliament. The term is derived from the Icelandic words "undir" meaning "under" and "flokkur" meaning "party." The concept of an underflokkur is unique to Icelandic politics and is a result of the country's proportional representation electoral system, which allows for smaller parties to gain representation in the Althing.

Underflokkur parties often struggle to gain traction due to the high threshold required for parties to enter the Althing, which is set at 5% of the national vote. Despite their large membership numbers, these parties may not be able to secure enough votes to meet this threshold, leading to their exclusion from the political landscape. However, underflokkur parties can still play a significant role in Icelandic politics by influencing public opinion, advocating for specific issues, and providing an alternative voice to the established parties.

Examples of underflokkur parties in Iceland include the Left-Green Movement and the Pirate Party. These parties have large membership bases but have not yet been able to win seats in the Althing. Despite this, they continue to be active in Icelandic politics, participating in elections and engaging in public debates. The existence of underflokkur parties highlights the diversity of political thought in Iceland and the importance of inclusive political representation.