UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A p... Start Learning for Free
A ‘by-election’ is held when
  • a)
    A party candidate during elections withdraws or dies
  • b)
    A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general elections
  • c)
    The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nation
  • d)
    There is no decisive winner in a general election
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during ele...
In most cases, these elections occur when the incumbent died or resigned, but they also occur when the incumbent becomes ineligible to continue in office (because of a recall, ennoblement, criminal conviction or failure to maintain a minimum attendance). Less commonly, these elections have been called when a constituency election is invalidated by voting irregularities.
Free Test
Community Answer
A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during ele...
Understanding By-Elections
By-elections are critical components of the electoral process, held to fill vacancies that arise between general elections. Here’s a detailed exploration of the reasons why option 'B' is the correct answer.
What is a By-Election?
- A by-election is a special election that occurs to fill a legislative seat that has become vacant between the scheduled general elections.
Reasons for By-Elections
- Vacancy Due to Death or Resignation:
- When a sitting legislator dies or resigns from their position, it creates a vacancy in the legislative assembly or parliament.
- By-elections are necessary to ensure that the constituency continues to have representation.
- Maintaining Democratic Representation:
- By-elections help maintain the democratic process by allowing constituents to elect a new representative promptly.
- This ensures that the electorate's voice is heard and is important for the continuity of governance.
Other Options Explained
- Option A: A party candidate withdrawing or dying during elections does not lead to a by-election since it pertains to the general election phase.
- Option C: The Election Commission of India does not unilaterally decide to hold by-elections; they are triggered by vacancies.
- Option D: A lack of decisive winners in a general election leads to potential re-elections or coalition formations but does not directly result in by-elections.
Conclusion
- By-elections are crucial for filling legislative vacancies, ensuring democratic representation, and maintaining the functionality of the political system. Therefore, option 'B' correctly describes the circumstances under which a by-election is held.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Question Description
A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during elections withdraws or diesb)A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general electionsc)The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nationd)There is no decisive winner in a general electionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during elections withdraws or diesb)A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general electionsc)The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nationd)There is no decisive winner in a general electionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during elections withdraws or diesb)A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general electionsc)The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nationd)There is no decisive winner in a general electionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during elections withdraws or diesb)A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general electionsc)The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nationd)There is no decisive winner in a general electionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during elections withdraws or diesb)A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general electionsc)The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nationd)There is no decisive winner in a general electionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during elections withdraws or diesb)A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general electionsc)The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nationd)There is no decisive winner in a general electionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during elections withdraws or diesb)A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general electionsc)The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nationd)There is no decisive winner in a general electionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during elections withdraws or diesb)A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general electionsc)The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nationd)There is no decisive winner in a general electionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice A ‘by-election’ is held whena)A party candidate during elections withdraws or diesb)A vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a legislator is to be filled between general electionsc)The Election Commission of India thinks it to be in the best interest of the nationd)There is no decisive winner in a general electionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev