How often are elections held for the Northern Ireland Assembly?

Elections for the Northern Ireland Assembly are held every five years. This time frame is established by the Northern Ireland Assembly Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 2001, which set a five-year cycle for elections. This regular interval allows for stability in the political process and gives constituents a chance to evaluate the performance of their elected representatives and make changes as they see fit, reflecting the democratic principle of accountability. The five-year period is important in balancing the need for a functioning government with the principle of allowing citizens to exercise their rights to vote regularly.