An electoral threshold is a minimum percentage of votes that a political party must receive to gain representation in a legislature. This requirement is significant because it can impact the political landscape by limiting the number of parties represented, thereby promoting stability and reducing fragmentation. Electoral thresholds help prevent the proliferation of extremist factions, ensuring that only parties with substantial support gain seats. However, overly high thresholds can marginalize smaller parties and undermine democratic representation. Balancing these thresholds is crucial for fostering a fair electoral process while maintaining effective governance.