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12/12/2008
MEP Voting Reforms Criticised
Ulster European MPs who resign or die in office will not be replaced through a by-election system, in plans brought forward by the Northern Ireland Office.
Recommendations by the NIO have faced opposition from the Electoral Commission, the body responsible for overseeing the democratic process.
Despite this, officials acting for the Secretary of State are expected to push ahead with their provisions for the eventuality.
Under NIO proposals, an MEP who preternaturally leaves office would not prompt a by-elect for the seat, and instead be replaced by a party colleague.
When consulted the Electoral Commission had suggested an alternative system.
Commission officials proposed a list system similar to other regions.
This would allow the electorate to view a list of possible substitutes prior to polling day.
This suggestion was made as part of a consultation process - in which all but one political party broadly supported the government's plan.
The Electoral Commission's Cahir Hughes would not be drawn on criticising the NIO's process, only insisting the commission's system was 'preferrable'.
It is thought the NIO decided against the Electoral Commission's plan as it still allowed parties to change the substitute list after polling day.
Unionist MEP Jim Allister has blasted the NIO's plans, branding it as a "charter for abuse".
(PR/JM)
Recommendations by the NIO have faced opposition from the Electoral Commission, the body responsible for overseeing the democratic process.
Despite this, officials acting for the Secretary of State are expected to push ahead with their provisions for the eventuality.
Under NIO proposals, an MEP who preternaturally leaves office would not prompt a by-elect for the seat, and instead be replaced by a party colleague.
When consulted the Electoral Commission had suggested an alternative system.
Commission officials proposed a list system similar to other regions.
This would allow the electorate to view a list of possible substitutes prior to polling day.
This suggestion was made as part of a consultation process - in which all but one political party broadly supported the government's plan.
The Electoral Commission's Cahir Hughes would not be drawn on criticising the NIO's process, only insisting the commission's system was 'preferrable'.
It is thought the NIO decided against the Electoral Commission's plan as it still allowed parties to change the substitute list after polling day.
Unionist MEP Jim Allister has blasted the NIO's plans, branding it as a "charter for abuse".
(PR/JM)
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23 March 2009
Secure Voting Rights Now, Says Commission
The Electoral Commission is calling on thousands of 'missing' voters to secure their vote in time for the European Parliamentary elections on 4 June. The appeal starts today - the start of 'Register to Vote Week', in which a series of activities will take place across Northern Ireland to raise awareness of the need to register to vote.
Secure Voting Rights Now, Says Commission
The Electoral Commission is calling on thousands of 'missing' voters to secure their vote in time for the European Parliamentary elections on 4 June. The appeal starts today - the start of 'Register to Vote Week', in which a series of activities will take place across Northern Ireland to raise awareness of the need to register to vote.
10 May 2011
'Review Stormont Count Fiasco' Says Kinahan
A newly returned MLA has suggested a solution after a chorus of condemnation on the Assembly 'election fiasco', which at times, decended into a near chaotic process. Danny Kinahan, a UUP South Antrim MLA (pictured) said last night: "It's only when you see an election count at close quarters that you realise just how complex an operation it can be.
'Review Stormont Count Fiasco' Says Kinahan
A newly returned MLA has suggested a solution after a chorus of condemnation on the Assembly 'election fiasco', which at times, decended into a near chaotic process. Danny Kinahan, a UUP South Antrim MLA (pictured) said last night: "It's only when you see an election count at close quarters that you realise just how complex an operation it can be.
13 October 2009
Top Cop 'Voted' Into Electoral Job
As a general election looms in the New Year, a senior post in NI's Electoral Office has been filled. PSNI Chief Superintendent Graham Shields (pictured) is being appointed as the new Assistant Chief Electoral Officer and will replace June Butler who left at the end of September.
Top Cop 'Voted' Into Electoral Job
As a general election looms in the New Year, a senior post in NI's Electoral Office has been filled. PSNI Chief Superintendent Graham Shields (pictured) is being appointed as the new Assistant Chief Electoral Officer and will replace June Butler who left at the end of September.
13 January 2003
New electoral identity card set for issue
The Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, Denis Stanley, has today announced the arrangements for the issue of the new electoral identity card. The new card is one way in which voters can provide photographic proof of identity if elections take place as expected in May.
New electoral identity card set for issue
The Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, Denis Stanley, has today announced the arrangements for the issue of the new electoral identity card. The new card is one way in which voters can provide photographic proof of identity if elections take place as expected in May.
25 May 2012
Researchers To Vet Electoral Register
An independent elections watchdog is starting research into the accuracy and completeness of Northern Ireland’s electoral register. Researchers from the Electoral Commission want to make sure that there are no false entries on the register and that everyone eligible is registered to vote.
Researchers To Vet Electoral Register
An independent elections watchdog is starting research into the accuracy and completeness of Northern Ireland’s electoral register. Researchers from the Electoral Commission want to make sure that there are no false entries on the register and that everyone eligible is registered to vote.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
