UK Election 2024: British voters pick a new government against a backdrop of economic malaise and deep pessimism

As the UK general election commences, voters make their way to cast their ballots following a final day of campaigning marked by numerous opinion polls forecasting a landmark triumph for Keir Starmer. In his final statement before the polls open at 7am, Starmer declared, "Today, Britain can begin a new chapter." He promised "a new age of hope and opportunity after 14 years of chaos and decline," according to his office quoted by Bloomberg, which emphasized that these words were intended to motivate people to participate in the election and not take a Labour victory for granted. "Change will only happen if you vote for it," he added.

Britons are heading to the polls this Thursday for a general election that is widely expected to return the opposition Labour party to power, ending nearly 15 years of Conservative rule.

The election, the first national ballot since Boris Johnson's landslide victory for the Tories in 2019, was called unexpectedly by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak six months earlier than required.

However, Sunak's gamble seems poised to backfire, as polls throughout the six-week campaign—and for the last two years—indicate a substantial defeat for his right-wing party.

This outcome would likely result in Labour leader Keir Starmer, 61, becoming the next Prime Minister, leading the largest party in parliament.

Centre-left Labour is projected to win its first general election since 2005 by historic proportions, with a flurry of election-eve polls predicting its biggest-ever victory.

A major survey for the Daily Telegraph by Savanta and Electoral Calculus last month suggested the Conservatives would be reduced to just 53 seats, their worse result in modern history, and Sunak himself would lose his constituency, which he has held since 2015 and where he is known as the “Maharajah of the Yorkshire Dales”.

The study projects a gigantic 382-seat majority for Labour, with Labour winning a staggering 516 constituencies.

A leadership election is likely to take place within the party even if Sunak keeps his seat. Priti Patel, Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Kemi Badenoch, and Suella Braverman are among those expected to stand. But Braverman and Patel are also in tight races for their seats.

Opinion polls indicate a significant lead for the Labour Party, suggesting they may win a majority of seats and form the next government. Factors influencing the outcome include voter turnout, last-minute campaign developments, and how effectively parties address key issues such as the economy, healthcare, and immigration. While Labour's lead is substantial, the final results will depend on the actual voting patterns on election day.

Both Starmer and Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak kicked off the last day of campaigning before polls open warning voters of dire economic consequences if the other man wins. But, facing predictions of the worst result in the party's history, the Conservatives turned their focus to damage limitation, saying they needed to hang on to enough seats to provide an effective opposition to a Labour government.

The main political parties include the Conservative Party led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour Party led by Keir Starmer, Liberal Democrats led by Ed Davey, Reform UK led by Nigel Farage, Scottish National Party (SNP) led by John Swinney, and the Green Party co-led by Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay.

The Conservatives have been in power for 14 years but face criticism over economic and public service issues. Labour, leading in polls, promises significant changes and public service improvements. The Liberal Democrats focus on health and social care, the SNP advocates for Scottish independence, and Reform UK emphasizes immigration control and Brexit.

UK is divided into 650 constituencies, each electing one Member of Parliament (MP). Voters in each constituency select one candidate on their ballot paper. The candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins the seat. This system means that the party winning the majority of constituencies, at least 326 seats, can form the government. The leader of this majority party becomes the prime minister.

In the event no party wins a majority, it's called a hung parliament, where the incumbent prime minister attempts to form a government through coalitions or minority agreements. The party with the most seats will negotiate with other parties to secure enough support to pass legislation and maintain confidence in the House of Commons.

Voters must be aged 18 or over on polling day and must be British citizens, Irish citizens, or qualifying Commonwealth citizens. Around 50 million people are registered to vote. Voting can be done in person at polling stations, which are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., by post, or through a proxy who can vote on behalf of the registered voter. This election also introduces a requirement for voters to present photo I.D. for the first time at a national level, a rule that has been in place for local elections since 2023.

United Kingdom is gearing up for a national election on July 4, 2024, marking the end of a 14-year Conservative Party-led government. This election is significant as it will determine the political direction of the UK, with the opposition Labour Party leading in the polls and potentially poised to take over.

Voters are focused on critical issues such as the economy, healthcare, immigration, and housing, which have been central to the campaigns of the major political parties.

The United Kingdom consists of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales -- is divided into 650 constituencies.