Counting begins in NI Assembly election
Votes cast in the Northern Ireland Assembly election are being counted today, with the first results expected this afternoon.
The counting of votes to decide the 108 members of Northern Ireland’s Assembly got under way this morning.
When polling stations closed last night there were indications that turnout was below the 63% figure from the last Assembly elections in 2007.
Northern Ireland is divided into 18 constituencies, each with six Assembly seats.
The counting began in eight centres at 8am and the first results are expected at around 4pm.
The full picture should be known by tomorrow afternoon, provided no recounts are required.
The haggling to agree the shape of the next administration will start once the results are known.
The new Assembly must meet by Monday 16 May, while Ministerial positions must be filled by 23 May.
Votes cast in the local council elections will be counted on Monday and Tuesday of next week.
