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UNITED KINGDOM
House of Commons
ELECTORAL SYSTEM

Compare data for parliamentary chambers in the Electoral system module

Parliament name UK Parliament
Structure of parliament Bicameral
Chamber name House of Commons
Related chamber (for bicameral parliaments) House of Lords
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Electoral Law 8 February 1983
Last amendment:11 July 2006
Mode of designation directly elected 650
Constituencies 650 single-member constituencies:
- 533 for England
- 59 for Scotland
- 40 for Wales
- 18 for Northern Ireland
Voting system Majority: Single member plurality systems ("first past the post").
Vacancies arising between general elections are filled through by elections.
Voting is not compulsory.
Voter requirements - age: 18 years
- British, Irish or Commonwealth citizenship
- disqualifications: imprisonment, detention in mental health institutions, members of the House of Lords, conviction for electoral offence (disqualification for a period of five years)
CANDIDATES
Eligibility Qualified electors
- age: 18 years
- British, Irish or Commonwealth citizenship
- ineligibility: insanity, undischarged bankruptcy, imprisonment exceeding one year
Incompatibilities - members of the armed forces
- policemen
- civil servants
- holders of certain judicial offices
- clergymen (except of non-conformist churches)
- peers
- members of a large number of public boards and tribunals
Candidacy requirements - lists must be supported by at least 10 electors
- deposit of £500, reimbursed if candidate obtains at least 5% of the total votes in the constituency concerned

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