Countdown to Liberation Day

11.36.52pm GMT Mon 15th Mar 2010

Gordon Brown's announcement that the Budget will be on 24 March makes it almost certain that the general election be on 6 May.

The diary in the lead-up to the day when Britain could free itself from the shackles of the corrupt two-party system then becomes:

Wednesday 24 March - Budget - Darling tries to buy back your votes.

Tuesday 6 April - Election Date Announced

Monday 12 April - dissolution of parliament.

Thursday 15 April - TV Debate (ITV)

Tuesday 20 April - Deadline for delivery of nomination papers/withdrawals of candidature/appointment of election agents at 1600 BST. Nominations announced at 1700 or as soon as any objections settled. Last day to apply to register to vote. Last day to apply for a new postal vote.

Thursday 22 April - TV Debate (Sky)

Tuesday 27 April - Last day for receipt of late applications for people who cannot reach a polling station and want to vote by proxy (deadline 1700 BST).

Thursday 29 April - TV Debate (BBC)

Thursday 6 May - Liberation Day - polling stations open from 0700 to 2200.