The Northwest Territories operates under consensus government, a non-partisan system where all Members of the Legislative Assembly sit as independents without formal political party affiliations. After elections, MLAs collectively vote to select a Premier and cabinet from among themselves. This approach draws on Indigenous governance traditions emphasizing discussion and agreement over adversarial politics. Decisions aim for broad consensus rather than majority votes along party lines. The consensus model is distinctive among Canadian jurisdictions and reflects the territory's unique demographics and political culture. Critics note potential challenges with accountability and policy direction, while supporters emphasize collaborative governance suited to northern realities.