Why in news?
Theresa May on 19th April 2017 has won overwhelming backing from MPs to hold a snap election on June 8.
What is a snap election?
- A snap election is an election called earlier than expected.
- It differs from a by-election by the fact that the winners will serve an entire term as opposed to the remainder of an already established term.
- An election would have to be held under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act of 2011, unless a two-thirds majority of the House of Commons allowed otherwise.
- The next election was due on May 7 2020.
- The House of Commons voted to override the Fixed-term Parliaments Act with the majority of 522 to 13, calling for an early election.
- Parliament will be formally dissolved on May 3.
What is the need for it?
- Ms. May explained that an early election is needed to secure unity in Parliament as the country prepared to launch the full-fledged negotiations with its European partners on exiting the union.
- It is also needed to kick-start the resetting of its relationship with the rest of the world.
- The current PM came to her position after other prospective replacements for her predecessor David Cameron dropped out of the race.
- Loads of legislations are needed domestically to bring about the Brexit process smoothly.
- With continuous questions about the validity of her position in truly representing UK people, current government becomes vulnerable.
- Holding and winning a general election would give much-needed authority to the Brexit process.
- It could also help her set her own agenda and further distance herself from that of Mr. Cameron.
- Considering Ms. May’s tougher stance on immigration this election is also of particular significance to India.
Source: The Hindu
