A '''by-election''' is an [[election]] that takes place for a single representative district or constituency following the resignation, death or removal of the sitting representative or [[MP]]. The term stands in contrast to a [[general election]], when all the seats in a legislature are up for election. The term ''by-election'' derives from the Old Scandinavian ''by'', 'town'. | A '''by-election''' is an [[election]] that takes place for a single representative district or constituency following the resignation, death or removal of the sitting representative or [[MP]]. The term stands in contrast to a [[general election]], when all the seats in a legislature are up for election. The term ''by-election'' derives from the Old Scandinavian ''by'', 'town'. |