United Kingdom General election

the term general election in united kingdom refers elections held on same day in constituencies of members of parliament (mps) house of commons. under terms of fixed-term parliaments act 2011, period between 1 general election , next fixed @ 5 years, unless commons passes motion of no confidence in government sooner that, or if house of commons, support of @ least 2 thirds of members, resolves general election should take place sooner.

the term may used refer elections democratically elected body in of members election. section 2 of scotland act 1998, example, refers ordinary elections scottish parliament general elections.

originally, british elections took place on period of several weeks, individual constituencies holding polling on separate days. parliament act 1911 introduced requirement elections in parliamentary constituencies held on same day. there has been convention since 1930s general elections in britain should take place on thursday; last general election take place on other weekday of 1931.

the five-year limit on time of parliament can varied act of parliament implemented several bodies. done during both world wars; parliament elected in december 1910 prolonged november 1918, , elected in november 1935 lasted until june 1945. house of lords has absolute veto on bill extend life of parliament.