In Britain, the Liberal Democrats are about to introduce a bill to Parliament that would prevent prime ministers from deciding the date of general elections.
Over the weekend, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced there would be no early election in November despite heightened speculation that a snap poll would be called any day.
Now the Opposition's Liberal Democrats are calling for fixed, four-year terms for governments, arguing that as long as election date decisions rest with the Prime Minister, then it would inevitably be influenced by what is best for the Prime Minister and his party.
A bill will be tabled in the House of Commons later today that would see Parliamentary terms fixed at four years - confirming the next general election in May, 2009.
The Conservatives say there are "real drawbacks" to a fixed-term system but the party will examine the bill. © 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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