Political analysts have downplayed the vote’s wider significance in a constituency that overwhelmingly backed Brexit a decade ago.
“It will be astonishing if Farage were not to win,” political scientist John Curtice told AFP.
But some say it shows Farage’s election gambit has backfired.
“Farage’s plan to turn this by-election into a serious political battle failed,” Queen Mary University of London politics professor Stijn van Kessel told AFP, noting the resulting spectacle “makes Farage look rather silly”.
“WE CAN’T DECIDE”
Clacton voter Phil, in his 50s, appeared to agree. “It’s not going to change anything,” he told AFP, noting if Farage won as expected, a parliament committee probe into his finances that paused when he resigned would restart.
“I get what he’s saying, but we can’t decide,” he said.
Polls will close at 10pm, with counting beginning immediately and a result expected by around 7am on Friday.
Turnout – nearly 59 per cent in the 2024 general election – could be significantly down among the constituency’s around 80,000 registered voters, given the lack of traditional candidates.
Farage netted 46 per cent of the vote two years ago to become an MP on his eighth attempt, securing a majority of 8,405. But comparisons may be complicated by the boycotts.
Most of the candidates – the highest number of any parliamentary election – are standing as independents.
Binface – part of a long British tradition of satirical election contenders, which appears to have reached its zenith in Clacton – is not the only fringe entrant. The Official Monster Raving Loony Party will also field three candidates, among others.
