British media websites and broadcasting channels will not feature any political articles or stories on the UK election day. As voters head to the polls to elect the next prime minister, media outlets are adhering to strict regulations to ensure impartiality during the voting process.
Polling stations across the UK opened at 7:00 am (0600 GMT) and will close at 10:00 pm, after which exit polls will provide an early indication of the final result. The UK’s approach to media silence on UK election day contrasts with practices in other countries, such as India, where political parties are prohibited from holding rallies or posting political messages on social media to avoid influencing voters. The UK, however, extends these restrictions to prevent media houses from publishing political content on polling day.
According to Ofcom, the UK’s broadcast regulator, British media are prohibited from publishing the results of any opinion polls on polling day until the polls close. Additionally, it is a criminal offence to publish any exit poll surveys or predictions while polling is underway. These rules aim to ensure that media organisations remain impartial during the critical voting period.
While digital and television broadcasters are subject to these stringent regulations, print journalism operates under different rules. Newspapers and magazines are allowed to publish election content, as their print schedules mean new election information would not be available to readers on polling day. However, the BBC adheres to specific editorial guidelines that prevent it from publishing any election material on its platforms or social media.
Social media, however, remains largely unregulated, meaning users may still encounter poll-related content on their feeds despite the restrictions imposed on traditional media.
Today’s election sees voters choosing all 650 MPs for the House of Commons, with constituencies spread across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This election features a record 4,515 candidates, reflecting a significant increase due to hard-right Reform UK’s decision to end its 2019 promise not to stand against the Conservatives, as well as more Green party candidates.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party is fielding candidates in 635 seats, while Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has 631 candidates, and the Liberal Democrats, led by Ed Davey, are contesting 630 seats. Reform UK, under the leadership of Nigel Farage, has 609 candidates, and the Green Party, led by Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, is contesting 629 seats. The remaining candidates represent smaller parties or are running as independents.
As the nation awaits the outcome, the media blackout ensures that voters cast their ballots without influence from ongoing political commentary or predictions, maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.