Definition

Noun: A general election is a national or state-level election in which representatives are chosen for all or most of the constituencies of a legislative body. It is a comprehensive electoral event where voters select candidates for multiple offices, typically to form a new government or legislature.

Usage

The term is used to describe the primary, broadest electoral process in a country or state, contrasting with by-elections, local elections, or primary elections. It refers to the event itself.

Examples: * The country will hold a general election next month to elect all members of parliament. * Voter turnout is usually highest during a general election. * The results of the general election will determine the next prime minister.

Advanced Usage

• "to call a general election": For a head of government or state to formally announce and initiate the process of holding a general election.
  • The Prime Minister decided to call a general election earlier than scheduled.
• "to contest a general election": For a political party or candidate to compete in a general election.
  • Several new parties are planning to contest the next general election.

Variants and Related Words

• Election (n): The formal process of selecting a person for public office or accepting or rejecting a political proposition by voting. A "general election" is a specific type of election.
• By-election (n): An election held in a single constituency to fill a vacancy that arises during a government's term, unlike a general election which covers all constituencies.
• Primary election (n): An election held to select a party's candidate for a subsequent general election.

Synonyms

• National election
• Parliamentary election (in parliamentary systems)

Related Phrases

• General election campaign: The period of campaigning by parties and candidates leading up to a general election.
  • Spending during the general election campaign reached record levels.
• General election result: The final outcome of the votes cast in a general election.
  • The general election result led to a coalition government.

Noun

1. a national or state election; candidates are chosen in all constituencies