reelection

Reelection is the process by which a current officeholder seeks to be elected to the same office again after the end of their term, or to serve another term if the term length allows. It is distinct from an initial election or from appointment to office. In many democracies, incumbents run for reelection, and success rates are often higher than for challengers due to advantages built from holding office.

The rules governing reelection vary by jurisdiction. Some offices have term limits that prevent consecutive or any further reelection after a certain number of terms, while others allow indefinite reelection. In presidential systems, a sitting president who wins reelection serves another fixed term; in parliamentary systems, the head of government may be reelected through party confidence or shifts in coalition support rather than a direct mandate.

Factors affecting reelection include incumbency advantage, which encompasses greater name recognition, easier access to campaign finance and media, and a record of constituency services. Opponents may argue that reelection incentives can affect governance, encouraging short-term measures to appeal to voters. A period known as the lame duck can occur after an election when an incumbent’s power wanes.

Examples vary: in the United States, presidential reelection is capped by constitutional amendment to two terms; many other countries regulate reelection with term limits or allow it subject to constitutional provisions; jurisdictions also differ on whether regional and municipal leaders face the same rules.