Distinguished between general election and by election
Answers
General Elections are referred as the elections held in the entire country or the state, for the seats of Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly. These elections are organized at the same time in all the constituencies, i.e. on the same day or within few days.
Bye-Elections, or By-elections, refers to the elections held in a particular constituency, due to the vacancy on the demise or resignation of the elected member for that seat, of the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly.
General elections are conducted for choosing the government. Whereas, Bye-elections are carried on with a purpose of filling the seat that falls vacant, after the demise or resignation of the incumbent.
General elections are held after every five years but Bye-elections are organized between general elections. Indeed, once the seat becomes vacant, they are organized within 6 months, from the date it becomes vacant.
The candidate elected in the general elections can hold the office for a full term of five years. Conversely, the candidate winning bye-election can hold the office for remaining term only.