The term also refers to the periods between the election of a new parliament and the establishment of a new government from that parliament in parliamentary democracies, usually ones that employ some form of proportional representation that allows small parties to elect significant numbers, requiring time for negotiations to form a government.
[1] Similarly, in some Christian denominations, "interregnum" (interim) describes the time between vacancy and appointment of priest or pastors to various roles.
Particular historical periods known as interregna include: In some monarchies, such as the United Kingdom, an interregnum is usually avoided due to a rule described as "The King is dead.
This famous phrase signifies the continuity of sovereignty, attached to a personal form of power named Auctoritas.
"Interregnum" is the term used in the Anglican Communion to describe the period before a new parish priest is appointed to fill a vacancy.