July 4 which opinion polls indicate will hand power to Keir Starmer's Labour Party and end 14 years of Conservative Party-led government.

THE PRESENT SITUATION

Elections In The UK explained for UPSC HOW IS THE WINNER DECIDED? To win outright, one party needs to win at least 326 out of the 650 parliamentary seats. The leader of that party becomes prime minister. In each of the 650 constituencies, voters elect a local candidate who is usually affiliated with a Larger political party. Voters choose one candidate and the candidate with the Most votes wins the seat. WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF A HUNG PARLIAMENT? A hung parliament occurs if no single party wins a majority. In this case the incumbent prime minister remains in power and is given the first chance to form a government either by building a coalition or governing with a minority.

THE AFTERMATH OF POLLING

  • Once the overall result is clear, and if the governing party has lost, The prime minister would be expected to tender his resignation to the king.
  • The leader of the winning party will then meet the king, who will request he or she form a government.
  • They will then head to Downing Street to make a speech to the British public as the new prime minister.
  • The new PM will begin appointing ministers, starting with senior positions.
  • The Speaker of the House of Commons - parliament's lower chamber - will be elected from among members of parliament (MPs).
  • Each MP will then in turn swear the oath of allegiance to the king or make A solemn affirmation. This usually takes a few days.
  • The Opening of the Parliament with the King’s speech also takes place setting out the agenda for the government for legislation.

WHO CAN VOTE & HOW?

  • Voters must be aged 18 or over on polling day, and be either a British citizen, Irish citizen or qualifying Commonwealth citizen.
  • Close to 50 million people are registered to vote.
  • Votes can be cast in person, by post, or through a proxy.
  • Voters must take photo I.D. with them to vote, the first national election at which that has been required.
  • Overseas British citizens will also get to vote regardless of how long they have been living outside the country.