removal by vote
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removal by vote
The removal of a person from an elected office or position through a vote. The opposite of an election or re-election.
Nach mehreren Skandalen drohte dem Minister die Abwahl durch ein Misstrauensvotum.
After several scandals, the minister faced removal by vote through a motion of no confidence.
The word consists of the prefix 'ab-' and the noun 'Wahl' (election). The prefix 'ab-' here means 'away' or 'remove'. An 'Abwahl' is therefore literally a kind of 'away-election', in which someone is removed from office.
Die Oppositionspartei strebt die Abwahl des Bürgermeisters an.
The opposition party is seeking the mayor's removal by vote.
To say who is being voted out, the genitive is usually used. Alternatively, the preposition 'von' with the dative can also be used.
Die Abwahl des Ministers wurde in der Presse diskutiert.
The minister's removal by vote was discussed in the press.
'Abwahl' (removal by vote) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'die Abwahl fordern' (to call for removal by vote), 'die Abwahl beantragen' (to request removal by vote), or the expression 'jemandem droht die Abwahl' (someone faces removal by vote).
Nach dem Skandal forderten viele Bürger die sofortige Abwahl der Regierung.
After the scandal, many citizens called for the immediate removal of the government by vote.
choice / election
'die Wahl' and 'die Abwahl' are clear opposites. In a 'Wahl' (election), someone is elected to an office or a decision is made. In an 'Abwahl' (removal by vote), someone is removed from an office or position through a vote. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with voting and political or official offices. Pay attention to the direction: 'Wahl' brings someone into office, while 'Abwahl' ends that office.
Die Abwahl des Vorsitzenden wird nächste Woche im Verein besprochen.
The removal by vote of the chairperson will be discussed at the club next week.
Nach dem Gespräch bereitet das Team die Wahl des neuen Sprechers vor.
After the discussion, the team is preparing the election of the new spokesperson.