UK voters head to polls for momentous election

WORLD  04 July 2024 - 11:50

Millions of voters across the UK began voting to elect 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Each constituency will choose one MP using a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the highest number of votes wins. There are no runoff elections, making July 4 the sole voting day.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 10 p.m. local time.

Following the close of voting, exit polls will provide an initial indication of election results, offering early insights into the potential composition of the next UK government.

The centre-right Conservatives, in power since 2010, face significant challenges in this election.

Having won the past three general elections—2015, 2017, and 2019—the party is now trailing behind. Recent polls show the main opposition Labour Party holding a substantial 20-point lead, positioning it for a likely victory.

There has also been a surge in support for the right-wing Reform UK party, setting the stage for a pivotal election day on July 4.

While some results may be reported before midnight, the majority are expected in the early hours of Friday.

For parties, the goal is to secure at least 50% of seats—326—to form a majority government and receive a mandate from King Charles III.

If no party secures a majority, a hung parliament could result.

Parties may then negotiate to form a coalition government, typically with the leader of the largest party becoming the next prime minister.

Caliber.Az