Gordon Brown to call general election in Britain

London- Prime Minister Gordon Brown is Tuesday due to call a general election in Britain - likely for May 6. It is expected to be the closest and most unpredictable contest in many years.

Although the poll date has been the subject of intense speculation for many months, Brown's announcement is set to launch a fierce four weeks of campaigning, which will likely be highlighted by unprecedented live TV debates among the main contenders.

After 13 years of Labor government, the Conservatives hope to return to power under their youthful leader, David Cameron. The Liberal Democrats, Britain's third party, hope to increase their share of the vote and play a key role in the formation of the new government, should the outcome be close.

Recent opinion polls have seen a narrowing of the gap between the Labor Party and the Conservatives, leaving the Conservatives only slightly ahead.

The election, coming at a time when Britain is emerging from deep recession, is dominated by the economy, but also by the aftermath of the scandal over parliamentary expenses, which has damaged the reputation of parliament and of politicians in general.

After chairing a cabinet meeting later Tuesday morning, Brown is expected to travel to Buckingham Palace to ask Queen Elizabeth II to dissolve parliament on April 12. An announcement will follow after that.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/317265,gordon-brown-to-call-general-election-in-britain.html.