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total countries/territories: 115
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| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
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Afghanistan
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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Members of the House of People shall be elected by the people through free, general, secret and
direct balloting. The work period of the House of People shall terminate, after the disclosure of
the results of the elections, on the 1st of Saratan of the fifth year and the new parliament shall
commence work. The elections for members of the House of People shall be held 30-60 days
prior to the expiration of the term of the House of People.
Source:
Constitution of Afghanistan, Ch.5 art. 83: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
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2016/10/11
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Algeria
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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a.) Every 5 years
Source:
Electoral Law, art. 75
Updated on March 10, 2005
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2005/03/26
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American Samoa
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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Term of Office for the Senate is 4 years. Elections occur at fixed intervals every even numbered year beginning on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November and ending not later than 4 weeks later.
Source:
Revised Constitution of American Samoa Article 2, Section 5
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2005/02/16
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Argentina
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la Nación Argentina — Ley 24430, texto oficial ordenado”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AR/argentina-constitucion-nacional-reformas-1994/ (2019)
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2021/12/26
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Armenia
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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Article 90. Term of Powers of the National Assembly
1. The National Assembly shall be elected for a term of five years.
Source:
Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 90:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
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2017/04/05
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Austria
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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Source:
Constitution, Art. 26
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2003/06/11
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Azerbaijan
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
The election for the Milli Majlis will be called every 5 (five) years on the first Sunday of November.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1995) as amended in 2016, Art. 84.2: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Azerbaijan_2016.pdf?lang=en;
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2022/01/24
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Bahamas
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b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
The Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, may at any time by proclamation dissolve Parliament.
Source:
C: 66.
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2002/10/02
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Bahrain
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
The Chamber of Deputies is elected every 4 years and the King has the right to add 2 more years on the 4 years.
Source:
Constitution 2002, chapter 4, part 3, section 2, article 58.
The Law of the Shura Council and the Parliament, issued by Decree no 14 for 2002, section 2, part 1, article 10.
Updated on March 10, 2005
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2005/03/30
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Bangladesh
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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a.) After five years. This length is not specified in the Constitution.
Source:
Constitution; Part V; Article 72(3)
Constitution; Part VII; Article 123(3)
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2006/05/23
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Barbados
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b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
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The maximum duration of parliament is five years. There is a simultaneous dissolution of both Houses of Parliament, with elections called by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Source:
Constitution, Ch.5, Section 61.
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2003/06/10
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Belarus
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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Every four years.
Source:
Constitution, article 93.
|
2002/09/09
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Belgium
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a) Every 4 years
b) By the King (i.e the government), on request of the Prime Minister
c) Elections are held the first Sunday after the expiration of the four year period of mandate. If it falls on a holiday, elections are postponed until the following Sunday
Source:
Electoral Code, Art. 105, 106
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2012/05/04
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Belize
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d. Other
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The Governor General may prorogue or dissolve the National Assembly. In the exercise of his powers to dissolve the National Assembly, the GG shall act in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister. Other than during time of war, the National Assembly shall continue for 5 years from the date of the first sitting of the House of Representatives. At any time where Belize is at war, the National Assembly may by law extend the period of 5 years for not more than 12 months at a time, provided that it is not extended for more than 2 years.
Source:
C: Sec. 84.
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2004/10/27
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Benin
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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Source:
ARTICLE 80 de la constitution.
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2005/01/22
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Brazil
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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Electoral Code:
Article 85:
Elections for federal deputies, senators and their alternates, the President and Vice President of the Republic, governors, vice governors, and state deputies shall be held simultaneously throughout the country.
Constitution:
Article 77:
The election of the President and Vice President of the Republic shall take place simultaneously on the first Sunday of October in the first round, and on the last Sunday of October in the second round, if necessary, in the year prior to the end of the current presidential term.
Law on Elections:
Article 1:
Elections for the President and Vice President of the Republic, governors and vice governors of the states and the Federal District, mayors and vice mayors, senators, federal deputies, state deputies, district deputies, and councilors shall be held throughout the country on the first Sunday of October of the respective year.
Source:
Electoral Code - Law No. 4,737, of July 15, 1965, Article 85:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/codigo-eleitoral-1/codigo-eleitoral-lei-nb0-4.737-de-15-de-julho-de-1965
Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, 1988, Article 77:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/constituicao-federal/constituicao-da-republica-federativa-do-brasil
Law on Elections No. 9,504, September 30, 1997, Article 1:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/lei-das-eleicoes/lei-das-eleicoes-lei-nb0-9.504-de-30-de-setembro-de-1997
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2024/10/23
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Bulgaria
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
a.) Every 4 years
Elections shall be held within two months from the date that the National Assembly's mandate expires, on a non-working day.
Source:
Constitution, article 64 (paragraph 3).
Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 5 (paragraph 1).
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2004/11/02
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Cameroon
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
d. Other
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The mandate of the deputies lasts 5 years. In this case, the election shall take place no later than the last Sunday preceding the expiry of the powers of the National Assembly.
However, this mandate may be shortened or extended at the request of the President of the Republic.
Source:
Constitution, Chapter I Article 15 (4): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CM/cameroon-constitution-of-cameroon-2008
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2018/11/07
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Canada
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
d. Other
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Elections are usually called at the Prime Minister’s discretion. Formally, the Governor-General dissolves Parliament upon the request of the Prime Minister. However, elections can also result automatically from the Prime Minister losing the confidence of the House of Commons, signaled through the loss of a confidence vote, at which time the Governor General is asked to dissolve Parliament. Section 4 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms further stipulates that no House of Commons shall extend over a period of five years (except in cases of “real or apprehended war, invasion or insurrection). Section 57(3) of the Canada Elections Act states that polling day must be on a Monday, or on the day after if Monday is a holiday.
An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (formerly Bill C-16) received royal assent on May 3, 2007. Bill C-16 introduced the following amendments to the Canada Elections Act: 1. Subject to an earlier dissolution of Parliament, a general election must be held on the third Monday in October in the fourth calendar year following a previous general election, with the first general election to be held on Monday, October 19, 2009. 2.The Chief Electoral Officer may recommend an alternate day if the day set for polling is not suitable.
Source:
Electoral Law: An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (formerly Bill C-16)
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2010/06/17
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Cape Verde
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b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
b.) By the president.
Source:
Fernando Monteiro, Member of the Electoral Commission, Cape Verde, fam(a)mailcvtelecom.cv
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2002/06/13
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Chile
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
8 years
Each half of the Chamber gets reelected every 4 years.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 45.
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2002/06/17
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Colombia
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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4 year terms.
Source:
Constitución, Art. 132
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2003/07/29
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Comoros
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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With respect to the consecutive rotation of the Islands, the president and the vice-president are elected together for a four year mandate during a one round universal vote resulting in a direct majority.
Source:
Constitution, art. 13: http://www.icrc.org/ihl-nat.nsf/162d151af444ded44125673e00508141/dc12c29c8e4d3595c12570a50044cda5/$FILE/Constitution%20Comoros%20-%20EN.pdf (2012)
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2015/01/21
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Croatia
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a: Every four years.
c: A non-working day.
Source:
Constitution, articles 72 and 73., Electoral Code Article 5. Paragraph (3)
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2002/08/28
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Cyprus
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a) Every five years
c) On Sunday
Source:
Constitution, Art. 65, 66
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2012/04/26
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Czech Republic
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
a.) 4 years
Elections to the House of Deputies and Senate must be held within a term beginning on the thirtieth day prior to the expiration of the electoral term and ending on the day of its expiration.
The elections are called by the President at least 90 days before they are held. The elections for the House of Deptuties are usually held in May or June.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 16-17
Section 1, Part 3 (Articles 56-80) of the Electoral Act on Elections to the Parliament (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
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2002/06/26
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Denmark
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
The King can call an election at any time as well as the PM or else they happen every 4 years. Elections have traditionaly been held on Tuesdays.
Source:
Constitution, sec 32
|
2015/06/08
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Dominica
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b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
Its members are elected every five years. Nevertheless, in the exercise of his powers the President can dissolve Parliament in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister. If after a dissolution of Parliament and before the holding of the general election of Representatives, the Prime Minister advises the President that, owing to the existence of a state of war or of a state of emergency in Dominica, it is necessary to recall parliament, the President summon the Parliament that has been dissolved to meet, but, unless the life of Parliament is extended, the general election of Representatives proceed and the Parliament that has been recalled if not sooner dissolved, again stand dissolved on the date appointed for the nomination of candidates in that general election.
The general election of Representatives or, where provision has been made by Parliament for the election of the Senators, a general election of Senators shall be held at such time within three months after any dissolution of Parliament as the President may appoint for that election.
Source:
C: 54 and 55.
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2003/02/04
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Egypt
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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Five years
Source:
https://www.sis.gov.eg/section/228/9463?lang=en-us#:~:text=During%20the%20current%20period%2C%20Egypt,entrench%20the%20foundations%20of%20democracy.
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2025/09/23
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Eritrea
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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Source:
Constitution, art. 31:5
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2011/06/21
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Fiji
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
Election interval is 5 years.
Elections are held on a Saturday.
Election period is one week. Saturday - Saturday.
Election date is at the discretion of the Prime Minister.
Source:
(a) Constitution Section 59
(b) Constitution Section 60
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2003/06/30
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Finland
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a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a, c) Parliamentary elections are held on the third Sunday in March every four years.
b) On the basis of a reasoned initiative by the Prime Minister and after having consulted the various parliamentary factions, the President may dissolve the Parliament by ordering a new one to be held. Election day then is the first Sunday within 50-75 days of the publication of the order. The latest dissolving of the parliament was in 1975.
Source:
Constitution, Section 24, 26: http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/kaannokset/1999/en19990731.pdf (2012);
Election Act 714/1998 as amended, Section 107
|
2012/05/21
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|
France
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a) Every 5 years
b) By the President of the Republic, maximum term of 5 years
c) On a Sunday
Source:
a) Constitution, Art. 12
b) Electoral Code, Art. LO121, LO122
c) Electoral Code, Art. L55
|
2012/05/02
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French Polynesia
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c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
On Sunday.
Source:
Electoral Code, Article L.173.
|
2004/01/15
|
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Georgia
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
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The Parliament of Georgia is elected for the period of 4 years.
1. By-Elections for the Parliament of Georgia are held no later than 15 days before the expiration of its authority.
2. The date of the elections is appointed by the President of Georgia, no later than 60 days before the elections.
3. If the timeframe for elections coincides with emergency situation or war, elections are held no later than 60 days after the abolition of the abovementioned state.
Source:
Constitution of Georgia, art. 49:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Georgia_2018?lang=en
The Election Code of Georgia, art. 108:
https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/1557168?publication=8
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2024/07/24
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Germany
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a.) Chamber 1 (Bundestag) is elected every four years. The Federal President shall determine the day of the general election (election day).
c.) Election day must be a Sunday or a statutory public holiday.
Source:
Constitution, Ch.3, Art. 39
Federal Elections Act, Ch.4, Section 16
https://www.bundeswahlleiter.de/en/dam/jcr/4ff317c1-041f-4ba7-bbbf-1e5dc45097b3/bundeswahlgesetz_engl.pdf
|
2021/11/15
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Ghana
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Elections are held every four years.
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Article 113 Section 1 )
|
2005/07/01
|
|
Guyana
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a) Five years.
b) Monday.
c) President by proclamation.
Source:
Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
|
2004/09/03
|
|
Holy See (Vatican City State)
|
d. Other
|
The members of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State are appointed by the Pope every 5 years.
Source:
Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
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2012/05/14
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|
Hungary
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
The election takes place every fourth year in April-May. The date of the election is called by the Head of State.
Source:
Constitution, art 20. paragraph 1.
|
2002/07/05
|
|
Iceland
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Parliament is elected for a period of four years, but it can be dissolved earlier and new elections called for.
Source:
Björn Fridfinnsson, Ministry of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs, bjorn.fridfinnsson(a)dkm.stjr.is
|
2002/07/11
|
|
India
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
The life of an elected house is 5 years from the date of the first meeting, unless sooner dissolved. The Election Commission decides the dates of the election and can hold it within six months of the expiry of the tenure of the house. Another guiding principle is that no more than six months shall elapse between two sessions of the House.
Source:
Constitution, art. 83
|
2024/06/12
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Elections for the Majlis are held every four years
Source:
https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
|
2016/01/22
|
|
Ireland
|
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
b) Elections can be called at any time by by the President on the advice of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister). The same House of Representatives shall not continue for a longer period than seven years from the date of its first meeting.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 16(5);
Official Website of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government: http://www.environ.ie/en/LocalGovernment/Voting/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,1869,en.pdf (2012)
|
2012/05/10
|
|
Israel
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Elections to the Knesset are held every four years, unless one of the following situations occurs:
The Knesset passes a bill to disperse the Knesset;
The Knesset has not approved the budget within three months of the start of the financial year;
The Prime Minister asks the Knesset to disperse;
A no-confidence vote has passed and a new government has not formed.
The Knesset can also decide, by a special majority of 80 votes, to prolong its term beyond four years if there are special circumstances. This happened once, in 1973, when the elections to the Eighth Knesset were delayed by two months because of the Yom Kippur War.
Source:
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/AboutIsrael/State/Democracy/Pages/FAQ_Elections_Israel.aspx
|
2015/03/15
|
|
Italy
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
The Parliament has a 5 years mandate. However, the Chamber and the Senate can vote a "no confidence" initiative against the government. In this case, the President will dissolve one or both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate and call for new elections.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 88 and 94
|
2012/04/16
|
|
Jamaica
|
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
The Governor-General may at any time, by Proclamation published in the Gazette, prorogue or dissolve Parliament. As a general rule and unless sooner dissolved, the Parliament shall continue for five years from the date of its first sitting after any dissolution and shall then stand dissolved.
Source:
EL: 64.
|
2025/09/18
|
|
Japan
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
a) Elections are called every 4 years.
b) Elections can be called at any time by the Prime Minister.
Source:
Constitution, article 45.
|
2003/07/01
|
|
Jordan
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
The term of office of the Chamber of Deputies shall be four calendar years commencing from the date of the announcement of the results of the general elections in the Official Gazette. The King may, by a Royal Decree, prolong the term of the Chamber for a period of not less than one year and not more than two years.
A general election shall take place during the four months preceding the end of the term of the Chamber. If the election has not taken place by the end of the term of the Chamber or if such election is delayed for any reason, the Chamber shall remain in office until the election of a new Chamber.
Source:
Constitution, art. 68: http://www.representatives.jo/sites/default/files/الدستور.pdf (2015)
|
2016/08/01
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
1. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall: (…) 2) appoint regular and special elections to the Parliament of the Republic and its Chambers; (…). (Constitution of the RK, Art 44-1.2)
5. The term of powers of the Senate’s deputies shall be six years, and the term of the deputies of the Mazhilis shall be five years. (Constitution of the RK, Art 50-5)
Art 85-1,2,3:
1. Reasons for the calling:
1) the regular election shall be the end of the constitutional term of office of the Mazhilis deputies;
2) the early election – the pre-term termination of the term of office of the Parliament or the Mazhilis of the Parliament;
3) the by-election – the pre-term termination of the term of office of the deputy, the deprivation of his mandate or his/her death.
2. Election of deputies in the case stipulated by sub-clause 1 of clause 1 of this Article shall be called by the President of the Republic at least five months before and shall be conducted within two months before the termination of term of office of the Mazhilis deputies.
3. Election of deputies in case stipulated by sub-clause 2 of clause 1 of this Article shall be called by the President of the Republic simultaneously with adoption by him of the decision about advance termination of the term of office of the Parliament or the Mazhilis of the Parliament is conducted within two months from the date of the advance termination of the term of office of the Parliament or the Mazhilis of the Parliament.
The moment of the beginning of the period, during which the early election of deputies must be held, shall be the day of entry into force of the act of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on dissolution of the Parliament or the Mazhilis of Parliament. This period shall end with the expiry of two months. If the end of the period falls on a month, in which there is no corresponding day, then the period shall expire on the last day of this month. (Constitutional Act on Elections in the RK, 2018, Art. 85)
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan as amended on March 10, 2017 Art. 44 and 50:
https://www.election.gov.kz/eng/election-legal-framework/the-constitution-of-the-rk.php
Constitutional Act of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan as emended on June 29, 2018, Article 85: https://www.election.gov.kz/eng/election-legal-framework/the-laws-of-the-rk.php
|
2024/10/17
|
|
Kenya
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
Elections are held on the Second Tuesday in August every 5 years.
Source:
The Constitution of Kenya Article 101(1)
|
2012/03/14
|
|
Kiribati
|
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
Whenever an election of a member or members of th eManeaba ni Maungatabu becomes necessary the Electoral Commission shall issue a notice of election.
Source:
Article 10(1), Elections Ordinance
|
2020/05/01
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a. Every 4 years.
c. The first Thursday after the 50th day prior to the expiration date of the term of office.
Source:
Constitution, article 42; AEP, article 34.
|
2002/12/20
|
|
Lesotho
|
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
84. General elections
(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2), a general election of members of the National Assembly shall be held at such time within three months after any dissolution of Parliament as the King may appoint.
Source:
Constitution of Lesotho, art. 84: http://www.gov.ls/documents/Lesotho_Constitution.pdf
|
2015/03/03
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
The term of office in Parliament shall be four years, with the proviso that the regular elections to Parliament shall be held in February or March of the calendar year in which the fourth year ends.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 47 (1): http://www.llv.li/verfassung-e-01-02-09.doc.pdf (2012)
|
2012/05/23
|
|
Lithuania
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Article 1: Members of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter - the Seimas) shall be elected for a term of four years in single-member constituencies and the multi-member constituency by universal and equal suffrage, in a secret ballot, during direct, mixed-system elections.
Source:
Electoral Law: Republic of Lithuania Law on Elections to the Seimas, last amended on 15 April 2008 — No XI-1226, Art.1
|
2016/02/02
|
|
Luxembourg
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
Legislative elections are held, automatically, every five years, the first Sunday of June. If this date falls on the Pentecost Sunday, the elections are held the last Sunday of May.
Source:
Electoral law of 18 February 2003, Art. 134(1)
|
2015/06/05
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
d. Other
|
Elections for Members of Parliament are held every fourth year, in the last 90 days of the mandate of the old Parliament composition or within 60 days of the day of dissolving the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter: Parliament). (Art. 9 (1))
Early elections for Members of Parliament shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Law. (Art. 9 (2))
The Election Announcement Act shall be passed by the President of the Parliament and it shall specify the day on which the deadlines for performing election activities begin and the Election Day. (Art. 9 (4))
Source:
Law on Election of Members of Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (LEMP), Art. 9: https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1112/file/83bf975af213a79ac697299021d5.pdf
|
2020/04/15
|
|
Maldives
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Elections are held every 5 years and they have to be called within 30 days of the expiration of the existing Majlis.
Source:
Constitution 1988, articles 65 and 88.
|
2004/08/24
|
|
Marshall Islands
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
A - For 4 years
Can be a working day or holiday.
Source:
Constitution of the Marshall Islands, Article 4 section 12 clause 1
|
2005/02/23
|
|
Micronesia, Federated States of
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
The Congress consists of 1 member from each State (Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Yap) who serve a 4 year term and 10 Senators representing 10 single member constituencies of aproximately equal population size who serve 2 year terms. Therefore, elections are held biennially in each odd numbered year.
Source:
1. FSMC, Title 9. National Elections, S.104;
2.Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia Article. 9, Section 8: http://www.fsmlaw.org/fsm/constitution/article9.htm (2021)
3.FSM National Election Office: https://www.fsmned.fm/voters_instructions.html (2021)
|
2021/03/24
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
The election of the Parliament members shall be held not later than 3 months
following the mandate expiration or the dissolution of the previous Parliament
Source:
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/41173/133746/F-292097617/MDA-41173%20(EN).pdf
Article 61 (3)
|
2021/03/30
|
|
Monaco
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a) Every 5 years
c) On Sunday
Source:
Law 839 regulating communal and national elections, as amended in 2002, Art. 34;
Constitution, Art. 53
|
2012/04/27
|
|
Montenegro
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
Article 13: The election of councillors and MPs shall be called by a decision of the body in charge of calling the election. The State Election Commission and municipal election commissions shall adopt and make public, within 72 hours of the date the decision to call for elections has been issued, the electoral calendar including all time-limits for performing electoral actions provided in electoral legislation.
Election day shall be a non-working day (Sunday).
Article 14: Election of councillors and members of parliament shall be held no less than 15 days prior to the expiry of the election period of councillors and members of parliament whose term of office is running.
Article 5: The term of office of councillors and members of parliament shall last for four years.
Source:
Law on the Election of Councillors and Representatives as amended in 2016, Art. 13, 14, 5.
https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2020)031-e
|
2023/09/25
|
|
Morocco
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
The House of Representatives is composed of 325 members who are popularly elected for a five-year term.
Source:
Constitution, part 3, article 37.
Updated on March 10, 2005
|
2005/04/05
|
|
Nepal
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
a.) Every 5 years.
However, mid-term elections can be called at any time if the Prime Minister dissolves the HOR and recommends for a mid-term election.
Source:
Constitution, article 53(4).
|
2004/08/16
|
|
Netherlands
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
The duration of both Chambers shall be four years
Each of the Chambers may be dissolved by Royal Decree ... The duration of a Second Chamber that meets following a dissolution shall be determined by Act of Parliament; the term may not exceed five years. The duration of a First Chamber that meets following a dissolution shall end at the time at which the duration of the dissolved Chamber would have ended.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 52(1) and 64(1, 4): http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/nl00000_.html
|
2016/03/04
|
|
New Caledonia
|
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
Sunday.
Source:
Electoral Code, Article L.173
|
2003/11/28
|
|
New Zealand
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
General elections are held every three years, unless Parliament is prematurely dissolved. Before Parliament's three-year term is over, the Prime Minister must decide when the of the next general election. The Prime Minister does have the ability to call an early election before the three-year term ends, this is called a "snap election" and is rather uncommon. The Governor-General has the power, on behalf of the Sovereign, to force a dissolution of Parliament and call new elections.
Source:
Constitution Act 1986, Art. 17: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0114/latest/whole.html#DLM94210 .
https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/about-elections/what-happens-in-a-general-election/ .
https://gg.govt.nz/office-governor-general/roles-and-functions-governor-general/constitutional-role/reserve-powers
|
2024/07/02
|
|
Niger
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Source:
Article 67 de la constitution
voir également les articles article 123 à 125 du code électoral pour les élections partielles
|
2005/01/21
|
|
Nigeria
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
4 Years
|
2015/02/14
|
|
Niue
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
d. Other
|
A. 3 years.
D. An election can be called by the Speaker on request of the Premier 2 years and 9 months after the last general election. The Premier can request that the Speaker dissolve the legislature if there has been a successful vote of no confidence in the Cabinet.
Source:
Niue Constitution Act 1978 Part 2, Article 26, Section 1.
|
2005/02/22
|
|
Norway
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
General elections are held every fourth year in September. A Storting may not be dissolved, and new elections may not be called outside the normal general election years.
The elections are held on a Monday. (Also Sunday in some Municipalities.)
Source:
Constitution, Art. 54: http://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/The-Constitution/The-Constitution/ (2012);
The Election Act, Ch. 9, Art. 9-1, 9-2: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Palestine
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
5 years.
The Legislative Council inaugurated its work in 1996 and no elections has since then been held.
Source:
Draft C.71
Updated on March 10, 2005
|
2005/04/05
|
|
Papua New Guinea
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
d. Other
|
Nominally the life of the parliament is 5 years. More often general elections are held after the Prime Minister or the Ministry fails a no confidence motion, or the government is defeated on a question that the Prime Minster has deemed a question of confidence. A general election can be held if the parliament, by an absolute majority, decides.
Source:
Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Section 105 clause 1.
|
2005/03/02
|
|
Paraguay
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
General elections take place the month of April or May of the respective year, every five years.
Source:
Articles 187 and 229 National Constituction of Paraguay and 154 Law N¼ 834.
|
2003/07/14
|
|
Portugal
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
|
2024/07/02
|
|
Romania
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a.) Every 4 years. Elections shall be held within three months from the expiration of the term of office or the dissolution.
c.) Sunday
Source:
Constitution, article 60 (paragraph 2).
Law on Election of the Parliament, article 6 (paragraphs 1 and 2)
|
2004/11/25
|
|
Russian Federation
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
1. The State Duma shall be elected for a term of five years.
Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Russian Federation as amended on 09 June 2001, art. 95.
|
2016/05/31
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
d. Other
|
Pairlamentary period shall be five years, but Governor General has the power of dissolve it at any time, in accordance with advice of Prime Minister.
Also at any time, when British Monarch is in war Parilament may extend its period for not more than twelve months at a time.
If any seat is vacant, election or appointment shall be with in ninety days after.
Source:
Article 47 and 48, Constitution
|
2020/04/14
|
|
Saint Lucia
|
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
Members of the Parliament serves for a five-year term. The ordinary parliamentary period is for those five years, but the Governor General is entitled both to dissolve it before the elapse of that period and to prorogue it for not more than twelve months if Saint Lucia is in war. If the case, elections shall be held at least three months after Parliament dissolution.
Source:
C: 55.
|
2003/02/05
|
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
The Governor-General may at any time prorogue or dissolve Parliament. Unless sooner dissolved, Parliament continue for five years from the date of the first sitting of the House after any dissolution. Elections should be called by the Governor General.
Source:
Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1979, article 48 and 49.
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Samoa
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
Terms of Office nominally 5 years, parliament can be dissolved earlier by the Head of State in consultation with a prime minister that commands a majority in parliament. The Head of State can also dissolve parliament if the office of Prime Minister is vacant, and there is no likelihood that a member of parliament can command enough support to be elected as Prime Minister.
Source:
Samoa Constitution, Article 63: https://www.palemene.ws/wp-content/uploads/Constitution-Eng.pdf (2021)
|
2021/04/09
|
|
Sao Tome and Principe
|
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
Elections can be called at any time. By whom?
|
2001/10/04
|
|
Senegal
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
elections are held every five years
Source:
http://archive.ipu.org/parline/reports/2277.htm
|
2019/02/21
|
|
Serbia
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Deputies and councilors shall be elected for the period of four years
Elections for deputies shall be called by the President of the Republic, 90 days before the end of the term of office of the National Assembly, so that elections are finished within the following 60 days
If the National Assembly fails to elect the new Government within 30 days from the passing of a vote of no confidence, the President of the Republic shall be obliged to dissolve the National Assembly and schedule elections.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, art. 101-102, 130.
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/RS/constitution-of-the-republic-of-serbia-2006/view
|
2022/07/05
|
|
Seychelles
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Legislative elections are held every 5 years.
Constitution, Article 79:(1) A general election shall be held during the period starting at the beginning of the fifty-seventh month and ending at the end of the fifty-ninth month of a session of the National Assembly.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles (2011), Art. 79
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SC/seychelles-constitution-2011/view
|
2025/02/25
|
|
Sierra Leone
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
5 years intervals
Source:
Article 46 of the Constitution of SL Tenure of office of President, etc.
|
2005/06/28
|
|
Slovakia
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
a) The National Council of the Slovak Republic has 150 deputies who are elected for a four-year period.
It can be earlier but not later. The president calls the election and the parliament adopts the act by qualified majority.
Source:
Constitution, article 73
|
2002/06/18
|
|
Slovenia
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
General elections to the National Assembly shall be regular and held every four years.
The Election Day shall be a Sunday or any other holiday.
Source:
Electoral Code, articles 12, 14 and 16.
|
2004/11/25
|
|
Somalia
|
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
Source:
regulation of political parties association and parties law ( ammendment0 no.14/2000
|
2005/04/06
|
|
Spain
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
a) Elections are held every four (4) years.
b) Both chambers can be dissolved by the Head of Government and elections can be called in advance.
Source:
a) Constitution, Art. 68(4) and 99(5);
b) Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 167(3)
|
2012/04/17
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Unless Parliament is sooner dissolved, every Parliament shall continue for six years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no longer and the expiry of the said period of six years shall operate as a dissolution of Parliament.
Source:
Constitution 1978, article 62(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LK/sri-lanka-constitution-as-amended-up-to-9/at_download/file
|
2016/01/28
|
|
Sudan
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
4 years
Source:
http://www.pogar.org
Updated on March 10, 2005
|
2005/04/06
|
|
Sweden
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
General elections to the Riksdag are held on the third Sunday in September every four years.
Source:
The Instrument of Government, Ch. 3, Art. 3: Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Start/Bestall/Sprakversioner/English---engelska1/Sveriges-grundlagar-och-riksdagsordningen1/ (2012);
Electoral Law of 2005, Ch. 1, Section 3: http://www.val.se/pdf/2005_elections_act.pdf (2012)
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Switzerland
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a) 4 years
c) The third Sunday in October
Source:
Constitution, Art. 145 and 149(2)
Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 19: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
|
2012/05/11
|
|
Taiwan
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Members of the Legislative Yuan shall serve a term of three years and shall be re-electable. Their election shall be completed within three months prior to the expiration of each term.
Source:
Article 65, Constitution of the Republic of China
|
2020/03/26
|
|
Timor-Leste
|
d. Other
|
One time election. Constituent Assembly will work on new constitution.
|
2002/05/27
|
|
Tonga
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
d. Other
|
a. 3 years (next 2005)
c. Thursday from 9am to 4pm. No holiday but employers need to release their employees for voting.
By-election if someone resigns or dies. Also the King has the power to dissolve the Legislative Assembly at any time and command that new elections take place.
Source:
Constitution Sections 38 and 77: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021);
Electoral Act Section 10: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
|
2021/09/13
|
|
Trinidad and Tobago
|
d. Other
|
Elections are called whenever parliament is dissolved.
Source:
Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 49
|
2015/05/21
|
|
Tunisia
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
5 years
Members of the unicameral parliament of Tunisia, the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, are elected for a five-year term of office. Parliament can be dissolved before the end of the term.
Source:
POMED, Tunisia’s
Parliamentary & Presidential Elections: http://pomed.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Tunisia-Election-Guide-2014.pdf
|
2019/08/05
|
|
Turkey
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
Elections for the Grand National Assembly of Turkey shall be held once every five years.
The beginning date of the elections shall be July 3rd of the last meeting year of each elections period and votes shall be cast on the second Sunday of October.
In the event it is not possible to hold elections due to war, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey shall be entitled to postpone the elections for one year.
If the reason for the postponement persists, this procedure may be repeated in accordance with the procedure determined in the initial decision of postponement.
Mid-term elections shall be held if seats become vacant in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
If the Grand National Assembly of Turkey or the President of the Republic decides that elections should be renewed before the expiration of the elections period, the Cabinet shall announce such decision within 48 hours.
(Amended: paragraph 2: 3403 - 10.9.1987) If the renewal decision has been taken by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, then the Assembly shall also determine the date of the elections. If the renewal decision has been taken by the President of the Republic, then votes shall be cast on the first Sunday following the ninetieth day after the decision.
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Law, art. 6-8: http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/1310/file/bbf6e67f60e5492350474eaa9e9a.pdf
|
2016/01/21
|
|
Tuvalu
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
d. Other
|
Parliament is automoatically dissolved at the end of the period four years after the date of its first sitting after a general election. The Governor General, acting in accordance with a resolution of Parliament may at any time dissolve Parliament if the office of the Prime Minister is vacant.
Voting takes place on one day. No specific day is mentioned in the electoral laws.
Source:
Constituion Section 118.
Electoral Provisions Section 15(1)(a)and Section 20
|
2003/08/01
|
|
Ukraine
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
a.) Every 4 years
b.) In case parliament is dissolved earlier.
c.) Regular elections shall take place on the last Sunday of March of the fourth year of authority of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Source:
The Law on Elections of Peoples of Ukraine, article 6
|
2006/11/23
|
|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
a) Every 5 years, on May
b) By the monarch on request of the Prime Minister
Source:
Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.parliament.uk/education/online-resources/parliament-explained/general-elections/ (2012);
|
2016/04/11
|
|
United States of America
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Elections are held every two years.
Source:
Article I Section 2, United States Constitution
|
2016/02/12
|
|
Uruguay
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
Elections take place every 5 years and on the last Sunday in October.
Source:
Constitution, art. 77
|
2002/06/18
|
|
Vanuatu
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
|
(1) Parliament, unless sooner dissolved under paragraph (2) or (3), shall continue for 4 years from the date of its election
(2) Parliament may at any time decide, by resolution supported by the votes of an absolute majority of the members at a special sitting when at least three-fourths of the members are present, to dissolve Parliament. At least 1 week's notice of such a motion shall be given to the Speaker before the debate and the vote on it.
(3) The President of the Republic may, on the advice of the Council of Ministers, dissolve Parliament.
(4) General elections shall be held not earlier than 30 days and not later than 60 days after any dissolution.
(5) There shall be no dissolution of Parliament within 12 months of the general elections following a dissolution under subarticle (2) or (3).
Source:
Constitution of the republic of Vanuatu Article 28 (1-5): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
|
2016/01/26
|
|
Venezuela
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
The elections are celebrated each 5 years.
Source:
Constitución, art. 192
|
2003/08/01
|
|
Viet Nam
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
In term office of the National Assembly: 5 years.
Source:
Constitution, article 85
|
2021/04/07
|
|
Wallis and Futuna
|
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
|
Sunday.
Source:
Electoral Code, Article L.173.
|
2004/01/15
|
|
Yemen
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
a.) For a six year term
Source:
Constitution, article 65.
Updated on March 10, 2005
|
2005/04/08
|
|
Zanzibar
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Every 5 years.
Source:
Electoral Institute of Southern Africa web site, Calender of Elections. http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/calendar.htm
|
2002/09/25
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
|
Every five years
Source:
Constitution of Zimbabwe. http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ZW/zimbabwe-constitution-of-zimbabwe-2008-1/view
|
2018/10/30
|
