If the final results do show a hung parliament, the sitting government party, Labour, has the first opportunity, should the figures allow it, to try to form a new government with support from other parties, notably the Liberal Democrats in this case, even if the Conservatives have won more seats and votes in the election.

So far neither Labour nor the Lib Dems have ruled out attempting to strike a deal. Labour are saying that electoral reform must come out of this election, which suggests the foundations are perhaps being laid for some sort of an attempt at cooperation with the Lib Dems. The price for Lib Dem support will certainly include agreement on electoral reform and broadly common understanding on when and how to start tackling the budget deficit and the party's views on these issues are more aligned with Labour than the Conservatives, which is why a Lib Dem-Conservative alliance is less likely.

ELDR member, Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, recorded an historical result by claiming its first ever seat in Westminster from the Belfast East constituency, defeating Northern Ireland's first minister, Peter Robinson, in the process.

For the latest election updates and reaction go to the Liberal Democrats website and BBC News.

See the ELDR Bulletin for more background on the UK General Election.