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.
