Northern Ireland is set to return to the polls later this week, as Northern Irish citizens prepare to elect a new Assembly, just days after a high-turnout UK general election.
The Northern Ireland Assembly was dissolved late Friday evening by Governor ScriptedSid at the request of First Minister leahvnx, formally triggering the election and paving the way for voters to choose their next local government at Stormont.
The Electoral Commission has confirmed the timetable for the Stormont election, with voter registration now open until Monday 20 July at 8pm BST. The official campaigning period will then run from 20 July until 24 July, before polling opens from 8pm BST on Saturday 24 July until 8pm BST on Sunday 25 July.
The election will determine the composition of the Northern Ireland Assembly and, ultimately, who forms the next Executive to lead the devolved government. The result will shape decisions on key issues affecting communities across Northern Ireland, making it one of the most significant democratic events since the recent UK-wide election.
Launching her campaign for a hopeful second term as First Minister, Unity leader leahvnx said serving in the role had been “the honour of my political career” and highlighted what she described as achievements during her time in office, including reforming the police service, increasing investment in communities and strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in Parliament.
Announcing her intention to seek re-election, she said the Office of First Minister remained essential in ensuring Northern Ireland had “an elected voice, at home, at Westminster, and beyond”, adding that she was standing again because she believed in the “voice” of the Northern Irish community and the future of devolution must be protected.
Political parties are now expected to begin selecting candidates ahead of the official campaign period, with voters preparing to decide who will represent them at Stormont for the next Assembly term.
As per national elections, the Assembly election provides citizens across Northern Ireland with the opportunity to shape the future of devolved government by electing local representatives to make decisions on the issues that affect everyday life, ensuring communities have a democratic voice in how Northern Ireland is governed.
Read the official Electoral Timetable for the July 2026 Stormont Election here.
Read the First Minister’s statement on calling a local general election here.