Potential consequences of political fragmentation include increased instability and difficulty in forming effective coalitions or governing bodies. Fragmentation can lead to a polarized political landscape, making consensus-building challenging and causing gridlock in legislative processes. Such division may also erode public trust in institutions, as citizens become disillusioned with the inability of fragmented parties to address pressing issues. Ultimately, fragmentation can hinder democratic governance and create an environment ripe for populism or authoritarian tendencies.