Elections in the United Kingdom
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The United Kingdom has five distinct types of
elections: UK general elections, elections to
national/regional parliaments and assem-
blies, elections to the European Parliament,
local elections and mayoral elections. Elec-
tions are traditionally held on Thursdays.
General elections do not have fixed dates, but
must be called within five years of the open-
ing of parliament following the last election.
Other elections are held on fixed dates
though in the case of the devolved assemblies
and parliaments, early elections can occur in
certain situations. Six differ