Canadian observers note the Clacton by‑election, where Nigel Farage is seeking to retain his seat amid a record 34 candidates.
The polls have now closed in Clacton, after thousands turned up to vote in one of the most unusual by‑elections in recent times.
The vote was triggered when the Reform UK leader quit as an MP last month in protest at media and parliamentary scrutiny of donations from his backers.
Mr Farage is under investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner over a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne.
He described the contest as a "people versus the establishment" showdown, but all the main parties have boycotted the vote.
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, said his party would not take part in a "circus", while Tory minister Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of having a "hissy fit".
Despite their absence, a record 34 candidates are standing.
Mr Farage's opponents include Count Binface, actor‑turned‑politician Laurence Fox, the Monster Raving Loony Party and a number of independents.
In the 2024 general election, Mr Farage won Clacton with 46.2 % of the vote and a majority of 8,405 over his Conservative rival.
Logistical challenges
The contest, estimated to have cost taxpayers around £250,000, has caused logistical problems for Tendring District Council and returning officer Ian Davidson.
The 90 cm‑long ballot paper required larger tables than usual at the count.
The result will be announced on the floor of Clacton Leisure Centre rather than on a stage because of the number of candidates.
Photographers and TV crews have been advised to use wide‑angle lenses to capture all candidates in a single shot.
The results are expected between 5 am and 7 am on Friday morning.
The outcome could influence UK trade policy, which matters to Canadian exporters of wheat and timber. In the United States, political analysts watch the race as a barometer of populist sentiment that may echo in upcoming elections.