Britain Election Results: Queen to Decide?

Thursday's vote sprang up something that Britain has not seen for around 36 years - a hung parliament. The opposition Conservatives managed to secure more seats than the ruling Labour Party of incumbent Prime Minister Gordon Brown, but 17 short of what is required to form a government. The Conservatives ended up with 307 seats, a gain of 98, while the Labour party managed 258 MPs, a loss of 91. The Liberal Democrats fell to 57, down 5 seats, while other parties managed 28.

There was an offer earlier made by Brown to Clegg of the Conservatives. With the Conservatives just short of an overall majority, David Cameron reached out to Nick Clegg, but senior Liberal Democrats were divided on how they should reciprocate. This setback was a big relief for the Labour party, and now Gordon Brown has made it clear that he will continue as prime minister until a deal is struck by someone. Cameron said, I think we have a strong basis for a strong government. Inevitably the negotiations we're about to start will involve compromise. That is what working together in the national interest means."

Now the Queen's role in the elections has become complicated. Without her approval, no laws can be passed, nor can parliaments be opened and closed. It is her job to anoint prime ministers, though she does not get involved in the election process. She invites those who can form a government either with overall majority, or by striking a deal with other parties. In case there is a roadblock, she possesses the powers to intervene. She can call for a fresh election or come out with any other solution she may think fit after consulting with her royal advisors.

Queen Elizabeth has ruled for 6 decades, and has dealt with 11 prime ministers. But the last time she had election problems was in 1974, when negotiations went on for days, and in the end she invited the Labour party to form the government. But this government hardly lasted for a year and took Britain back to the polls.

This Britain election results has ensured that it's wait and watch time for Britain and the rest of the world to see if anyone can reach a deal, or if the queen has to intervene and settle things.