He called snap elections in November 2012 and promised to start preparations for a referendum on independence if re-elected.
But the French tend to resent snap elections timed for mere party advantage.
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has dissolved the country's parliament, paving the way for snap elections, according to state media.
In 1993, Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa lost a crucial no-confidence vote and dissolved parliament to trigger snap elections in July.
The Japanese currency has fallen almost 7% against the US dollar since mid-November, after the former government agreed to hold snap elections.
After Mr Netanyahu called snap elections in October 2012, Mr Lapid led a low-profile campaign, focussing on economic and secular - rather than territorial - issues.
By all accounts, though, the billionaire leader has a strong mandate, and some observers say that even if snap elections were called, Thaksin could still win.
Ms Tymoshenko - once an ally of the president but now a bitter rival - has been calling for the snap elections to be postponed and for parliament to be recalled.
Mr. Maduro, a 50-year-old former bus driver and union organizer, was due to be sworn-in as interim president later on Friday and is favored to capture the presidency in snap elections due next month.
At snap elections in December the PDK emerged as the winner only a few points ahead of its main rival and former coalition partner, the LDK. In February 2011 he formed a new coalition with several small parties.
There is a fear that if the constitutional court declares these elections invalid that the second round of elections will not take place, and instead Turkey will have to hold snap general elections.
Soon after, the ruling Catalan nationalist president, Artur Mas, called snap regional elections, two years early.
CNN: Catalan parliament declaration pushes self-determination
If it decides Friday's vote was invalid, Turkey must hold snap general elections.
In February 2012, Kuwait's Islamist-led opposition won a majority in snap parliamentary elections called by the Emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, over the corruption crisis.
Soon after, Mas called snap regional elections, two years early.
CNN: Ruling party in Catalonia region loses seats in parliament
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