Nachwahl

A Nachwahl, also known as a by-election, is a special election held in a parliamentary or legislative body to fill a vacancy that has occurred between general elections. Vacancies can arise for various reasons, including the resignation, death, or disqualification of a member. The specific rules and procedures for calling and conducting a Nachwahl vary significantly depending on the country and the electoral system in place.

In many parliamentary democracies, a Nachwahl is triggered automatically upon the occurrence of a vacancy, while in others, a decision must be made by the governing body or a specific authority to hold one. The purpose of a Nachwahl is to ensure that all seats in the legislature are filled by elected representatives, thus maintaining the democratic legitimacy and functionality of the body. The outcome of a Nachwahl can sometimes have significant political implications, potentially altering the balance of power within the legislature or signaling shifts in public opinion.

The process typically involves a nomination period for candidates, followed by a campaign and voting period, similar to a general election. The candidate who wins the Nachwahl serves the remainder of the term for the vacant seat. The constituencies for a Nachwahl are usually the same as those for the general election, meaning that only voters within that specific electoral district are eligible to participate. The results of a Nachwahl are closely watched as they can provide an indication of the current political mood of the electorate.