A by-election is called for a vacant seat shall be called only when the date of vacancy is at least 1 year apart from the date of dissolution of the house.
A by-election is, by law, held within 6 months from the date of vacancy unless the Election Commission of India finds it impossible to conduct elections, in which case a government approval is required. Elections are also delayed due to unresolved petitions left in the court on validity of last election held.
As per section 33 (7) of the Representation of People Act, 1951, a member may contest from 2 constituencies but not represent both of them in the parliament. As Rahul Gandhi contested elections from Raebareli as well as Wayanad, he had to vacate one, which he decided to be Raebareli and hence resigned from Wayanad. Elections were expected to be held alongside other states in August but due to major landslides in the constituency, the elections got delayed till 13 November 2024.
As the then representative Vasantrao Balwantrao Chavan peacefully passed away[4] of old age, his constituency fell vacant. By-elections were held on 20 November 2024.[9]
Haji Nurul Islam, the then representative of Basirhat Lok Sabha Constituency, failed to fight cancer which ultimately led to his death on 25 September 2024 at the age of 61.[5] Due to pending election petition not answered yet by Calcutta High Court, the elections are delayed until High Court either gives a verdict or allows election to take place before the verdict.
Ricky AJ Syngkon, the then representative of Shillong Lok Sabha Constituency, passed away on 19 February 2026 at 54 years of age due to suffering a cardiac arrest while playing football at the outskirts of his constituency.[6] By-election must take place no later than 18 August 2026.
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