The United Kingdom is also holding legislative elections this week. Unlike France, the voting system is very different, and the results will be announced quickly, on the evening of the vote itself, after a single round.
On Thursday, July 4, 2024, the British people go to the polls to elect their Members of Parliament. Observers anticipate a return of the left to power on the same evening, due to the formidable voting system in place. Indeed, to be elected to the House of Commons, it is enough to come out on top in the single round of voting. This single-round uninominal system guarantees the election of the candidate with the most votes.
### Early elections decided by Rishi Sunak, a risky gamble
Like in France, early elections are being held in the United Kingdom, at the initiative of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Despite similarities with the French political situation, the conservative camp is struggling in the polls, with only 23% of voting intentions compared to 44% for the left. Despite these numbers, Rishi Sunak, like Emmanuel Macron, remains confident in his ability to convince voters, supported by the country’s positive economic results. This risky gamble is far from being won.
The current House of Commons is dominated by the Conservatives, with 344 seats compared to 205 for the Labour Party, the rest being divided among small parties. This composition was established during the 2019 elections, under Boris Johnson.
### If France used the same voting system, the RN would be in power
In the United Kingdom, the goal is to win first place. In the case of applying the same voting system in France, the National Rally would be in power. During the legislative elections on Sunday, July 30, the far-right party would have won 296 seats, followed by the New Popular Front with 157 seats, the presidential camp with 69 seats, and The Republicans with only 33 seats, in a single-round uninominal vote. Electoral boundaries greatly influence election results, as in France with the 1986 boundaries initiated by Charles Pasqua.
### Strict rules, but conducive to humor
In the United Kingdom, any candidate for elections must obtain 10 signatures from voters in their constituency and pay a deposit of £500 (590 euros). This procedure has led to unusual candidacies, such as that of Chris French who created a party named after his pub for electoral publicity. The Prime Minister also faces whimsical candidacies, like Mr. Trashcan-Face, self-proclaimed “intergalactic space warrior.”
Legislative elections always take place on Thursdays in the United Kingdom, with Members of Parliament elected for a maximum term of 5 years. The House of Commons has 650 seats, with 533 for England, 59 for Scotland, 40 for Wales, and 18 for Northern Ireland. A bill aiming to reduce the number of MPs to 600 was never adopted.
Article source: Francetvinfo
