Global General

British voters go to polls for general election

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-06 15:55

LONDON - British people went to polls on Thursday morning as up to 50,000 polling stations across the country opened for ballots.

Related readings:
British voters go to polls for general election Voting begins in Britain in general election

Polling stations are open from 7 am local time (0600 GMT) to 10 pm (2100 GMT) on Thursday. Local Government Association said 627 of the 650 parliament constituencies would start counting overnight, with about 20 not due to begin the process until after 0900 GMT on Friday.

Over 44 million voters are registered to elect 650 members of parliament from 650 constituencies, but voting in the election will take place in 649 constituencies as polling in Thirsk and Malton has been postponed to May 27 following the death of UK Independence Party candidate.

The new parliament will be summoned to meet on May 18, when the first business will be the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of members.

YouGov survey said compared with voting intentions in 2005 the Conservatives had added 2 percent to their support, while Labour had lost eight points and the Lib Dems had gained five.

But the final opinion polls before the general Election showed that Britain is heading for a hung parliament although the Conservatives are still ahead during the three-horse race.