How does the electoral process in Northern Ireland Assembly elections work?

The electoral process in Northern Ireland Assembly elections utilizes the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. This method is designed to ensure that voters’ preferences are fully represented, as it enables them to express their choice beyond just a single candidate.

When voters rank the candidates, they indicate their first choice and can continue to rank as many candidates as they wish. If their first choice does not receive enough votes to be elected, their vote is transferred to their next preferred candidate. This process helps to ensure that the elected representatives have wider support among the electorate and reduces the likelihood of "wasted" votes.

This ranked voting system also facilitates increased representation of smaller parties and independent candidates, as it allows for votes to be redistributed among preferences. It thus promotes a more proportional outcome than a simple majority system, reflecting a greater plurality of views within the electorate.

In contrast, selecting only one candidate limits voters' ability to express their preferences, and stating that only the majority party can determine outcomes misrepresents the inclusive nature of the STV system. Additionally, voters being restricted from ranking candidates would undermine the core principles of the STV, which aims to accommodate a variety of political opinions. Overall,