What purpose do 'cross-community votes' serve in the Assembly?

Cross-community votes in the Assembly are designed to ensure that any significant decisions reflect the support and consensus of both major communities in Northern Ireland, specifically the nationalist and unionist communities. This mechanism is crucial in a post-conflict society where political divisions have historically led to tension and conflict.

The requirement for cross-community support helps to create a balanced approach to governance, preventing one community from dominating the decision-making process and ensuring that policies are inclusive and representative of the interests of both groups. It fosters cooperation and dialogue, which are essential for maintaining peace and stability in a region with a history of division.

This mechanism is particularly important in a political environment where large parties may dominate discussions, as it necessitates that any significant decisions require backing from representatives of both communities, thus promoting a collaborative political culture rather than one based solely on majority rule.