In a parliamentary democracy, the electoral process typically involves several key stages. Citizens vote in elections to choose their representatives, usually through a proportional representation or first-past-the-post system. Once elected, these representatives form the parliament, which is responsible for making laws and overseeing the government. The leader of the winning party or coalition becomes the prime minister and appoints a cabinet. Parliamentary elections are usually held at regular intervals but can be called earlier under certain circumstances, such as a vote of no confidence.