The next British general election puts the fate of Rishi Sunak in the position of Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party. It is expected to involve 46.5 million potential voters, in which the composition of the 650-member Parliament will be determined; 326 seats are required to secure a majority under the first past the post system.
Sunak, 44, is far behind in this voter discontent after 14 years of Conservative rule following Labour, led by 61-year-old Keir Starmer, in a six-week-long election campaign chock-full of contrasting messages from its leaders: Sunak was warning off a possible "supermajority" for Labour—meaning higher taxes—while Starmer was saying only low turnout could produce it.
Polling booths across the country will open at 7 am local time on Thursday, with voters required to present identification. Voting is open to all registered adult residents — including Commonwealth citizens such as Indians.
After polls close at 10 pm local time, an exit poll will provide an initial overview of the national outcome, followed by counting across the nation, with initial results expected before midnight.
Sunak told Conservative voters in the final campaign message that it was important to deny Labour the supermajority—his last chance in an expected-to-lose outing. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson also threw his weight behind the campaign, urging voters not to give Labour a mandate to act with impunity.
Labour, though, cautioned against such predictions of an overwhelming win and summoned its supporters not to relax, as the dishonest polls were not deceiving. Many think that the polls will be several points lower than in 2019 when voters participated in their largest numbers: 67%, following Johnson's promise to "get Brexit done".
Some of Johnson's close associates were surprised after Sunak declared the elections more than one year before he was forced to do so. In the latest General Election held in 2019, the Conservatives won 365 seats compared to Labour, which managed to win 202.
Read also | Labour Party Set for Landslide Victory in Upcoming UK Elections
Read also | Prevent Labour's 'supermajority': UK PM Sunak's Urgent Plea
