U.K. election battle may give Queen an important role

U.K. election battle may give Queen an important roleBritain's inconclusive national election could put the choice of its next prime minister in the hands of a woman who never votes: the queen, experts have said.

CNN reported on Friday that after no party was able to win a clear majority, the queen's position, usually only ceremonial, becomes more complicated.

CNN also said that conservatives secured more Parliament seats than Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Labor Party in Thursday's voting, but not enough to form a working government.

Efforts by both parties to form a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats have already begun, but could take weeks. Although the queen formally anoints new prime ministers, she does not normally take part in the political process.

CNN further said that if efforts to work out an agreement among the political parties and determine a prime minister fail, the queen does have powers to intervene.

It was also reported that she can, in theory, call for another election. Or she could invite the Conservative Party to form a minority government, as she did in 1974 with the Labor party. That government lasted less than a year before having to call another election.

CNN also reported that the queen, however, would act only as a last resort. Royal advisers will make sure the rules work and keep the queen well distanced from the political wheeling and dealing. (With Inputs from Agencies)