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Ireland and Northern Ireland
| COUNTRY |
ELECTION TYPE |
DATE |
| Republic of Ireland and Northern
Ireland (United Kingdom) |
Referendum on Northern Ireland
Peace Agreement |
May 22, 1998 |
At stake
in this referendum:
- The ratification of the
Northern Ireland Peace Agreement
|
Description
of government structure:
- The Republic of Ireland has been an
independent state since 1921.
- Northern Ireland is a British-ruled
province.
|
Main
provisions of the agreement:
- A simple majority vote is required in
both referenda for ratification of the agreement.
- The referenda calls for the creation
of a new independent assembly in Northern Ireland.
- The new assembly will be comprised of
108 members directly elected by proportional representation.
- The agreement allows for the creation
of a North-South Ministerial Council which would give the governments of the Republic of
Ireland and Northern Ireland joint responsibility in certain areas which may
include tourism, transportation, and the environment.
- The agreement allows for the creation
of a British-Irish Council to bring together representatives of the British and Irish
governments at regular intervals.
|
Population
and number of registered voters - Republic of Ireland:
- Population: 3,606,952 (1997 est.)
- Number of registered voters: 2,741,262
|
Population
and number of registered voters - Northern Ireland:
- Population: 1,663,300
- Number of registered voters: 1,189,093
|
Of Interest:
- In allowing for a Northern Ireland
Assembly, the agreement replaces the system of comprehensive direct British rule in place since May 1974.
- The referenda are the result of a peace
settlement signed by British and Irish leaders and by the leaders of all the major
political parties in Northern Ireland after more than 21 months of talks.
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| SOURCE: INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR ELECTION SYSTEMS (IFES) |
| For additional information:
IFES ElectionGuide Online |
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