A snap election is an election called earlier than expected. Generally, it refers to an election in a Parliamentary system called when not required (either by law or convention), usually to capitalise on a unique electoral opportunity or to decide a pressing issue. It differs from a recall election in that it is initiated by politicians (usually the head of government or ruling party) rather than voters and from a by-election in that the winners will serve an entire term as opposed to the remainder of an already established term. General elections are elections on normal time after the term of the government ends actually.