By-election

A by-election means an election in a part area (typically a constituency ) at a later time or with a different schedule than the general election.

A by-election may be necessary for various reasons. The most common case is that during the term of a Member dies, resigns or for any other reason its mandate can not perceive. This choice is called in German election law since 1953 no longer election, but by-election, and only takes place when the deputies belonged to no party that had participated in the election with a list. Otherwise, the seat is occupied by a Nachrücker the list; this is exhausted, the seat will not be filled. Other arrangements are also possible in Tasmania about the voices of the last election to be re- counted, with the canceled on the retired deputies votes will not be taken into account.

In most countries with majoritarian electoral vacant seats will be filled by election, however, again. Such elections are often seen as unimportant because they usually bring no displacement of majorities. About Local significance is attached to them by those who see it as a test to choose between the normal elections. In narrow majority conditions, or when several vacant seats are to be filled at the same time, but also a by-election may be critical. So found in 1978 in Canada 15 elections on a single day instead of a mini election that was extensive media coverage.

Elections will only be held if the next general election is not too soon to be expected. This period is in many states, including Germany, six months. If the next general election scheduled earlier, the seat will remain vacant.

Seats were filled by election, usually have a shortened legislative session to ensure that the next election again coinciding with the general elections. This does not apply Suffix mayor or county councilors in Bavaria: They are elected for the full term, which take place in the affected communities all subsequent elections later than the general elections.

Elections to the German Bundestag

According to § 43 Federal election law found in two cases a by-election held:

In the first case, the election less than three weeks to take place six weeks after the general election in the second case at the latest. Thus, the rules for federal elections is different example of the in Bavaria, there also remains a dead candidate for elected; he is elected, the next moves by on the list for him.

Such an election can take place even on the same day as the normal choice, namely when there is enough time for the proper conduct between the death of the candidate and the election day.

In the previous five general elections there was such elections:

In the first German Bundestag, there were according to § 15 aF the electoral law for the first Bundestag elections fourteen for retired during the term of deputies. The electoral law was amended in January 1953 and replaced by the now customary Nachrückregelung.