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Northern Ireland’s local elections show the benefit of the Single Transferable Vote

On the 18th of May, Northern Ireland’s local elections showcased the continued successful use of the Single Transferable Vote (STV). This inclusive and proportional method stands in stark contrast to the disproportionate results witnessed in...

Posted 26 May 2023

Voters are much more likely to have a councillor they actually voted for

Why does the Northern Ireland Assembly keep collapsing?

In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was reached by multi-party consensus to bring an end to the violence in Northern Ireland and establish the current political system. Unlike the...

Posted 04 Nov 2022

The DUP and Sinn Fein have to form a government together

Joint letter: 650 voters in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland call for PR at Westminster

A new report from the ERS celebrates two-decades of proportional representation in Britain, including the Senedd, Scottish Parliament, and London Assembly.

Posted 02 Aug 2021

Voters in Northern Ireland demand more transparency in politics

New research by the Electoral Commission has shown the public in Northern Ireland wants to see more transparency in politics. The research, conducted by Ipsos Mori through a series of online focus groups, asked people...

Posted 05 Mar 2021

The £500 donation threshold is dangerously outdated

This is your chance to steer the movement for fair votes

Do you have the skills the Electoral Reform Society needs for the future? This year our members are electing the ERS’ Council – it’s the governing body of the Society, with ultimate responsibility for its...

Posted 29 Sep 2017

A shifting Stormont: The view from the Belfast election count

Last week’s surprise election in Northern Ireland, called in the aftermath of the Renewable Heating Scheme (RHI) scandal, yielded a result that few predicted. I spent the Friday of the election at Belfast’s Titanic Exhibition Centre, where...

Posted 10 Mar 2017

Northern Ireland’s voting system allows for a more diverse, open politics

Last year’s Northern Ireland Assembly election saw some fascinating developments. From a 50% increase in women’s representation, to the growth of cross-community parties and some surprise upsets, it was testament to an evolving democracy, under...

Posted 17 Feb 2017