MILLIONS OF VOTERS ACROSS UK START CASTING BALLOTS IN CRUCIAL GENERAL ELECTION

Thu 04 July 2024:

People across the United Kingdom are casting ballots in a snap general election called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Voters to decide if the Conservative Party leader will remain in the top job or if Keir Starmer, of the main opposition Labour Party, will become prime minister. Polling stations opened at 7am and will close 10pm local time (06:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT).

Voters will elect 650 lawmakers representing as many constituencies. The party with a majority in the House of Commons – either alone or with the backing of another party – will be tasked with forming the next government while its leader will become prime minister.

As soon as voting ends, exit polls will begin to provide an initial snapshot of the election results, offering early insights into the potential makeup of the next UK government.

The center-right Conservatives, who have governed since 2010, are facing their toughest challenge yet.

Having secured victories in the last three general elections—2015, 2017, and 2019—the party now finds itself trailing significantly. Recent polls indicate that the main opposition Labour Party holds a commanding 20-point lead, positioning it for a decisive victory.

Sunak leaves with his wife Akshata Murty after casting their votes at a polling station in Kirby Sigston [Oli Scarff/AFP]

There has also been a surge in support for the right-wing Reform UK party, setting the stage for a crucial battle at the ballot on July 4.

While some results may trickle in before midnight, the bulk of the results are expected during the early hours of Friday.

The Labour Party leader and his wife Victoria Starmer outside a polling station in London [Claudia Greco/Reuters]

For parties, the target is winning at least 50% of the seats — 326 — to have a majority and get a mandate from King Charles III to form a government.

In the event that no party achieves a majority, there will be a hung parliament.

Parties can then collaborate and form a coalition government, with the leader of the one with the biggest share of seats usually ending up as the next prime minister.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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