Vote counting gets underway

The counting of votes for Northern Ireland’s Assembly has begun in 18 constituencies this morning.

The first results for the candidates contesting the 108 seats in Stormont are due this afternoon, with 250 candidates contesting the assembly seats.

Both British and Irish governments hope the outcome of this election will pave the way for a return to devolution.

A power-sharing executive is due to be formed by 26 March.

Polling was reported on Wednesday to be above 2003 levels in areas including East Londonderry, North Antrim, as well as parts of Strangford.

DUP and Sinn Fein both hope to pick up gains, while Ulster Unionists and nationalist party SDLP will hope to challenge the two major parties.

DUP have 46 candidates, Ulster Unionists have 38, Sinn Fein 37, SDLP 35 and the Alliance Party 18.

There are also 13 UKUP candidates, 13 Green Party, nine Conservatives and six Workers Party.

A number of independent candidates are also running, including unionists critical of the DUP for their moves to become involved in power-sharing and republicans opposed to Sinn Fein’s recent move to support policing.

People Before Profit, Pro-capitalism, Social Environmental Alliance and UKIP all have one candidate each, while the Make Politicians History Party are fielding the same candidate in the four Belfast constituencies, and the PUP is running three and the Socialist Party have two.

(JM/SP)