Explained: What happens in a UK general election
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the United Kingdom (UK) will hold its next general election on July 4, following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The announcement kick starts a six-week campaign that will end on July 4. The upcoming election will see Conservative Party leader Sunak pitted against Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader since April 2020.
King's role in general election
Sunak has already requested permission from the King to hold a general election, as he has the legal authority to dissolve parliament. For an election to be held, Parliament must be "dissolved," and polling day is held 25 working days later. The dissolution of Parliament will happen on May 30. After May 30, the current parliament formally dissolves, and its members become candidates.
Understanding the UK's electoral system
The UK's electoral system is divided into 650 constituencies, each electing a local candidate to represent them in parliament. The magic number for any political party to form a government is 326 seats. The leader of the party that secures this majority will become the prime minister. Nearly 50 million Britons are eligible to vote in this election, with polling stations open from 7:00am to 10:00pm local time.
Election results and potential outcomes
Constituencies begin counting votes immediately after the polls close, with the first results typically announced within hours. Most results are declared overnight, although in some rural areas, this process may take longer, especially if the vote is close and recounts are required. In instances where no single party secures more than 325 seats, a hung parliament occurs.
Procedure in case of a hung Parliament
In the event of a hung parliament, the incumbent prime minister remains in power and is given the first chance to form a government. This can be achieved by negotiating with other parties to form a coalition or by attempting to govern with a minority. If they fail to secure an arrangement that provides them with a parliamentary majority, the incumbent would then recommend that the leader of the largest opposition party be invited to form the new government.
Predictions for the upcoming election
According to a prediction by YouGov in April, Labour is expected to secure 403 seats, while Conservatives are projected to win 155 seats. If Sunak is removed from power, it will be the first time in 14 years that the Labour Party will gain power. Sunak became prime minister on October 25, 2022, when he succeeded Conservative leader Liz Truss, who took over from Boris Johnson. Currently, Conservatives hold 344 seats, while Labour has 205 seats.
