UK General Election 2024: Voting date, process, candidates, parties, key issues | All you need to know

The United Kingdom is preparing to hold its general elections on July 4, after nearly five years. The main candidates are Conservative Party's Rishi Sunak, the current prime minister and Labour Party's Keir Starmer.

The centre-right Conservatives have been in power for over 14 years. However, after facing many challenges including economic stagnation, declining healthcare and other public services, and various scandals, the left-wing Labour Party has gained more popularity and has focussed its campaign around the single word "change".

The new Reform Party has also challenged the Conservatives for their immigration approaches, pulling votes from them.

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UK election 2024: Election date and process

The UK general elections will take place on July 4, 2024, from 7 am to 10 pm. Voters will cast their ballots at local polling stations. They can also vote through the post in advance. The results are announced in an exit poll after the voting process is completed.

The House of Commons, the lower house of the UK parliament, consists of 650 members who are elected from respective constituencies. A party needs to win at least 50 per cent or 326 seats to attain a majority and form the government. The leader of the party in the majority becomes the prime minister.

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The winning party will be invited by King Charles III to form the new government. Members of the House of Lords, the upper house, are appointed instead of directly being elected by citizens.

Key contenders and parties in UK elections

Conservative candidate, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has held office since October 2022, after being appointed as the leader of the Conservative Party. He is the first British prime minister of Indian descent and Hindu religion.

Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader since 2020, is the main opponent of Sunak. The former human rights lawyer and chief prosecutor has recently gained popularity and is seen as a pragmatic leader to bring about change and improve economic conditions.

The leader of the Reform UK party and Brexit campaigner, Nigel Farage, may also impact the election results significantly. Although there have been many controversies surrounding him, he is expected to win the current ruling party seats.

Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, and John Swinney, leader of the Scottish National Party, are also key candidates who may impact the polling results of the 2024 UK elections. Democratic Unionist Party, a British nationalist and national conservative political party in Northern Ireland, is also a significant party in the elections.

Key issues of the elections

Britain is currently facing economic stagnation and high inflation rates. Although the current ruling party hasreduced inflation, economic growth remains slow, making it a cause of concern.

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The Conservatives are also being confronted with managing the immigration situation in the UK. Additionally, the citizens are struggling with poor healthcare facilities with many reports of patients having to wait for hours for an ambulance.

Sunak has also been criticised for neglecting environmental concerns and not living up to his commitments.

Who is expected to win the 2024 election?

Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader, is likely to win the upcoming elections. Due to the issues prevailing in the state under the leadership of Sunak, the Labour Party has gained more popularity over time, while the Conservatives are facing backlash.

The Conservative Party's reputation has also been tainted by various scandals during former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's term.

(With inputs from agencies)