Snap Election
An election called earlier than scheduled, usually by the head of government to exploit favorable political conditions.
Explanation
A snap election is called before the scheduled date, typically because the government believes it can win a stronger mandate, or because a political crisis makes continuing without a fresh mandate untenable. In parliamentary systems, the prime minister or head of state usually has the power to dissolve parliament and call an early election. Examples include the UK's 2017 election (called by Theresa May to strengthen her Brexit mandate — she lost her majority) and France's 2024 election (called by Macron after European Parliament election losses). Some countries have fixed-term parliament laws that restrict the ability to call snap elections.
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