Snap elections

Definition

Snap elections are elections that are called earlier than expected, often to capitalize on a favorable political environment or to resolve a deadlock in governance. They can occur at various levels of government and are not scheduled in advance like regular elections.

Related terms

Electoral Cycle: The regular sequence of events involving the holding of elections in a democratic political system.

Parliamentary System: A system of democratic governance in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (parliament); snap elections are more common in this system.

Political Campaigning: The process of gathering public support for a candidate, party, or policy proposition ahead of an election, intensified during snap elections due to the shortened time frame