Shadow governments in transitional societies play a complex role, acting both as a response to political instability and a potential challenge to emerging authorities. They can represent dissenting voices, advocating for democratic principles and transparency, particularly in contexts where formal governance structures are weak or untrusted. However, their influence can also contribute to further fragmentation of political authority, complicating the efforts to establish stable governance. In such societies, shadow governments may provide essential services or support human rights initiatives while simultaneously complicating the trajectory toward democratic consolidation, highlighting the delicate balance of power during transition.