Northern Ireland Assembly Parties’ Panel: 28 January 2025

1.1 KR welcomed attendees to the meeting. 

2.1 The minutes and actions from previous meeting were agreed.  

3.1 There were no issues raised by political parties in advance of the meeting.   

4.1 KR invited attendees to raise any additional business. 

KR raised the Executive Office’s consultation on a Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls, as well as the consultation on Paula Bradshaw MLA’s proposed Bill to regulate the display of flags and emblems on street furniture. Panel members were asked to bring to the Commission’s attention any relevant consultations their Ministers were engaged in.

5.1 VR discussed the Commission’s corporate plan which focuses on; 

• Supporting voters and increasing participation  
• Modernising the electoral system  
• Safeguarding and protecting the system  
• Leading an informed debate about the future of elections  

GF raised concerns that the Digital Registration Number (DRN) remains a barrier for those applying for an absent vote, as awareness remains low. 

DM acknowledged that many applied for their DRN at short notice but noted that the legislative change would need to be made to amend the requirement of a DRN. 
He confirmed that 50,000 people used the new online DRN checker, and 30,000 voters applied for an absent vote.

The panel agreed that the introduction of the DRN checker on EONI’s website is a significant improvement for voters.

VR acknowledged that the DRN is a barrier but suggested that as we move towards automatic registration, the need for a unique identifier will be crucial.

MW raised concerns about the accessibility of the registration system for individuals with learning difficulties but welcomed the Commission's focus on education. 
MW urged that this educational initiative be inclusive of all individuals.

6.1. UKPGE report.

CH raised the Commission’s report on the UK general election, published on Wednesday 13 November.

The report concluded that the 2024 general election was well-run, and that the majority of voters were able to participate.

CH referenced the report stating that co-option lacks transparency but confirmed that the Commission does not advocate for By-Elections as an alternative.

The report also highlighted the ongoing abuse and intimidation, particularly of female candidates and the resilience of the electoral system in Northern Ireland. 
The Commission will provide evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday 29 January and will meet with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn to discuss our findings at the end February.  
 

6.2. Code of Conduct for Campaigners.

JM confirmed that the Code of Conduct was now live and encouraged attendees to share it with their respective parties.

JM thanked EONI for co-producing the Code and confirmed the Commission will monitor compliance leading up to the scheduled 2027 elections. 

7.1 DM gave presentations on the new EONI website and the new online portal for Electoral ID Card applications.

DM outlined that the new website improves accessibility however all information from the previous website has been retained.

The updates to the Electoral Identity card application process presented by DM include the new online portal. 
DM described how this new system would support elected representatives in attesting applications.  
DM reiterated that the Electoral ID Card is for voting purposes only.  

8.1 MW discussed the importance of engaging with people with learning disabilities in the electoral process, and the improvements needed for easy-read manifestos. 
Mencap expressed a willingness to support parties in their efforts to engage with individuals with learning disabilities.

PM asked the following questions which the Commission will circulate with the parties. 
 

• What are the plans to address barriers to voting for the 2027 Assembly Election?
• How many staff having learning disabilities in each party?
• What are the political parties’ plans to raise awareness for those with learning disabilities?

The parties offered to work with Mencap going forward.

MW suggested that video/virtual reality resources could help voters preparing for elections.

JM suggested that the initiative of voter practice sessions have been successfully run by the Commission in Great Britain and could be of benefit to voters in Northern Ireland.  

9.1 NB announced this year’s Welcome To Your Vote Week will take place from 10-16 March, with a focus on promoting democratic education. The initiative will involve the Commission’s Northern Ireland youth voice partner, Northern Ireland Youth Forum, and elected representatives. This year’s theme is Get Involved and Get Involved which encourages young people to be informed and engaged with politics and democracy. The Commission expressed interest in collaborating with the parties and Mencap on this initiative. 

a. 30 January 2025 - Deadline for submitting Quarter 4 (1 October 2024–31 December 2024) donations and loans reports.  

b. 30 April 2025- Deadline for submitting Quarter 1 (1 January 2025–31 March 2025) donations and loans reports  

c. 30 April 2025 - Deadline for submitting statement of accounts for year ending 31 December 2024, for parties with income and expenditure of £250k or less.

11.1 Dates to be confirmed by attendees but current proposed dates are;

a. Tuesday 17 June  

b. Tuesday 14 October. 

• Share Presentation from Chief Electoral Officer with the Parties.
• Circulate questions asked by PM to parties.
• Confirm date of 25 March for next meeting with all attendees.