Because of the multi-party system in the Netherlands, no single party has held a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and coalition cabinets had to be formed.
(A) has held a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and coalition cabinets had to be formed.
(B) had held a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and coalition cabinets were to be formed.
(C) held a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and coalition cabinets had been formed.
(D) held a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and coalition cabinets being formed.
(E) was holding a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and coalition cabinets were formed.
Doubt- How come Option A chooses the right tense?
Because of X in the Netherlands, no single party has held a majority in parliament since the 19th century - This has been the case since the 19th century - means even today- Hence we have to use present and not past tense.