 Whether a timeframe should be imposed for the calling of by @-@ elections has been subject to much debate . Several arguments have been advanced by the Government . First , when a voter casts a vote for a candidate , he is also voting for the political party that the candidate is a member of . Thus , once the party has received the voter 's mandate , a vacant seat will not affect this mandate . Requiring the other members in a GRC to vacate their seats so that a by @-@ election can be called would be unfair to them . Secondly , the Government believes that a GRC can function if it is lacking a member , as MPs from other constituencies can help to address the needs of residents in that GRC . 
