Prime Minister Stephen Harper has called for federal elections to take place on October 19, 2015.

Calling for an election during the summer is an unusual move in Canadian politics, creating the longest campaign period since 1874. Some view it as a move to ensure Harper’s Conservative Party stays in power as it will likely be the only party to have raised enough money to spend the maximum amount allowed by law.

The Conservative Party has been in power since 2006, winning two elections thereafter and gaining a majority in the House of Commons in 2011.