What are some of the benefits of electric stoves versus gas stoves? I have recently moved house and one of the downsides is that I'm now stuck with an electric stove instead of a gas stove which was in the previous house.

I'm not liking it one bit:


It takes too long to heat up (I have to pre-heat it like an oven)
You can't do any funky stuff with the open flame, like charring the skins off capsicums so you can peel them


Okay, I see some advantages:


Easier to keep clean
Flatter stovetop means less chance of a pot falling over


But seriously - I don't think any professional or keen amateur chef would be able to argue that an electric stovetop is better than gas.

I'd like to replace it with a gas stove in the near future.  In the meantime, can anyone convince me that electric is better?
Can I convince you that electric is better? No, I can't, because I don't think it is. The issue I have is related to how long it takes to warm up (and cool down). Electric cook tops just don't respond quickly. Little too hot? Too bad, nothing you can do about it (in time to save a dish that's starting to burn anyway). Not hot enough? Check back in 2 or 3 minutes. I find this particularly irritating when a recipe requires varying heats while cooking. Sorry I don't have better news for you.