The Casual Vacancy

A "casual vacancy" refers to an unexpected position that becomes available, typically in a political context, such as when a member of a legislative body resigns, passes away, or is disqualified. This occurs suddenly and requires a process to fill the position, often through a special election. The term ensures that the representation remains consistent and that constituents continue to have a voice. It is important for maintaining the democratic process and ensuring that all areas of governance are adequately represented.