Britain’s 2024 general election will involve the dissolution of Parliament, followed by six weeks of campaigning, voter registration until June 18, and voting on July 4. The election result will determine the majority of seats in Parliament and the election of a prime minister, who will shape policy on issues such as the economy and health.
The UK is preparing for a general election scheduled for July 4th. 2024Political parties and voters alike are gearing up for an event that will undoubtedly shape the political trajectory of the country. Election Procedures:
1. Dissolution of Parliament:
Parliament will be dissolved on 30 May 2024, starting the dissolution process, which will see the current parliament’s term come to an end. All Members of Parliament (MPs) will lose their seats and Parliament will cease to function until elections are held.
After dissolution, the campaign period begins, during which political parties and their leaders rally together to garner public support. This crucial stage lasts for about six weeks until election day. Campaign tactics include rallies, debates, door-to-door canvassing, and even media appearances aimed at persuading voters.
3. Voter Registration and Voting:
To participate in the election, voters must be registered to vote, which must be done by June 18, 2024. Voters can vote in person at their polling place on July 4th between 7am and 10pm. For the first time in a general election, voters will be required to carry photo identification.
The votes are counted immediately after the polls close. Exit polls are conducted among voters in selected constituencies. These polls provide an early indication of the likely outcome of the election. The official count then begins. The results are expected to be known early the next morning. Simply put, the candidate who receives the majority of the votes in each constituency becomes the member of parliament for that constituency.
5. Formation of Government:
To become prime ministerA party leader must secure a majority of at least 326 seats in the 650-seat House of Representatives. The leader, who is the current Prime Minister, is asked by the King to form a government. In the case of a hung parliament, where no party has a majority, a coalition or minority government may function. In this case, negotiations between the parties will be necessary.
6. Post-election procedures:
Following the elections, Parliament will reconvene on 9 July 2024 for the swearing-in ceremony. The newly elected members will take the oath of office. First, there will be an election for the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This will be followed by the Opening of Parliament ceremony on 17 July 2024. On this day, the King will deliver the Throne Speech. He will outline the Government’s legislative agenda for the new session.
Issues such as the economy, healthcare, immigration and climate change are expected to spark fierce debate. The candidates are Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party and Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.
