Polling day ‘ran smoothly' but there is ‘room to improve the experience for some', according to the independent body which oversees elections.

At the close of the polls last night, Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, said: ‘Overall, our initial assessment is that polling day ran smoothly and people were able to cast their votes securely.'

However, he said that some people were unable to vote because of the late arrival of postal votes and there was evidence of ‘unacceptable abuse and intimidation of candidates.'

Mr Rangarajan also thanked electoral administrators across the country for their ‘dedication and professionalism in delivering these well-run polls.'