The cross : P.Or for the first time, in favor of reunification, Sinn Fin won 27 seats in the Northern Irish Assembly, while the British-affiliated Unionist DUP won 25 seats. What do the results of these elections mean?

Most political systems operate on a left-to-right spectrum, embracing the divisions in society. Things are different in Northern Ireland. The main concern is not how to deal with the economy or social problems, but the position of each party in relation to the Constitution: the need for the Unionists to remain part of the United Kingdom or for the nationalists to reunite Ireland. This is the main sign that people are voting.

Facts. Northern Ireland: Successful, nationalists promise “a new era”

The election was politically and symbolically significant for Sinn Fin nationalists who became the first political party in Northern Ireland and won the right to appoint a prime minister. This score is illustrated by the disintegration of unionism, with declining DUP, UUP, TUV (2), smaller but more radical.

Is Sinn Fനിin’s success the only major change?

We must also pay attention to the rise of the Alliance Party (See marks). Voters seem to be moving away from traditional labels to support a neutral party that is clear from constitutional issues. The alliance is neither unionist nor nationalist and seeks to overcome this opposition. This party is in favor of the status quo and does not comment on the future of the region. His priority is to work for Northern Ireland and promote reconciliation.

Portrait. Northern Ireland: Michelle O’Neill, Sinn F‌in’s relief face

Although the Alliance, which has existed since the 1970s, has rarely won more than 10% of the vote, the party has recently emerged as the third largest political force in Northern Ireland. It is quite unusual to think of the conflict against nationalists and unionists. However, this creates a problem in the functioning of the Assembly because it does not take into account the votes of “other” parties for certain measures.

Report. The election in Northern Ireland: a crucial political issue

In February, the DUP sacked the executive. Can we imagine the party agreeing to form a new government despite a poor election score?

We are facing a period of long-lasting instability. The parties have six months to reach an agreement, and the DUP will use that time to rebuild itself and seek concessions. At the moment, the Unionists are refusing to take the path of the legislature for two reasons. First, they need a resolution in the protocol (Editor’s note: Brexit provision imposing customs control over the Irish Sea). Then it would be difficult for them to just accept the post of Deputy Prime Minister if the Prime Minister is from Sinn Fin.

Analysis. In Northern Ireland, the declared end of a certain political order

The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, created the institutions present in Northern Ireland. But these have already been revised several times, especially with the 2006 St Andrews agreement. The British and Irish governments and the major Northern Irish parties had by then resolved their differences to restore a single government. We are entering a new era of reforms, because without review I am not sure the legislature can last much longer.

Another option is for London to rule Northern Ireland directly, only to strengthen support for Sinn Fin and referendum referendum. If the issue of EU protocol is resolved, it will calm things down and allow the DUP to enter the government. April 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of Good Friday. If the institutions are not functioning after such a long time, this will raise questions about the future.

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New Northern Irish Stommond Assembly

The collapse of 90 seats in the new Stormont Parliament:

⁇ We are – Nationalist Party for Reunification with the Republic of Ireland: 27 seats (its membership in the forthcoming Parliament).

⁇ DUP – Democratic Unionist Party, Union with the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland’s leading party so far: 25 seats (- 3).

⁇ AllianceTrans Community Party: 17 seats, (+9).

⁇ Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) : 9 seats (- 1).

⁇ SDLP (Social Democratic and Labor Party), founded by John Hume: 8 seats (- 4).

⁇ Others : 4 seats.

The new parliament has 32 women, while the previous parliament had only 27 members.