Election draws 3,500 candidates

3500 candidates? 170 political parties?? Who are these people!?

“More than 3,500 candidates from 170 political parties are standing in 5 May's general election. The three main parties are fielding almost full slates in England, Scotland and Wales, but are not opposing speaker Michael Martin's constituency.

The Lib Dems are also again standing aside in Wyre Forest where Dr Richard Taylor (Independent) defends his seat. UKIP is fielding 488 candidates; the Greens have 200, while 118 British National Party candidates are standing.” Link