by-election

   A special election in a single constituency which takes place when a Member of Parliament dies, loses his or her seat through disqualification or resigns for some other reason. Most by-elections arouse little excitement among those eligible to vote and turnout is low. Local issues and the personality of the candidate may be more influential than usual in determining the outcome. Voters tend to use by-elections as a chance to vent their frustrations about the performance of the government and record a protest vote. If the survival of the government is not at stake, they might be tempted to vote for one of the many fringe candidates.

   If the government lacks a clear majority, by-elections may assume a greater importance than usual, for the loss of a seat may imperil its ability to dominate the House of Commons and get its programme through Parliament.