The Postponement of Local Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 2023

Made8th March 2023

Coming into force9th March 2023

At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 8th day of March 2023

Present,

The King’s Most Excellent Majesty in Council

In accordance with section 7(3) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 20001 the Electoral Commission has been consulted prior to the laying of this Order.

A draft of this Order has been laid before Parliament under section 84(4) of the Northern Ireland Act 19982 and has been approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

Accordingly, His Majesty, in exercise of the power conferred on him by section 84(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, is pleased, by and with the advice of His Privy Council, to order as follows.

Citation, commencement and extent1.

(1)

This Order may be cited as the Postponement of Local Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 2023.

(2)

This Order comes into force on the day after the day it is made.

(3)

This Order extends to Northern Ireland only.

Amendment of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 19622.

(1)

The Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 19623 is amended as follows.

(2)

In section 11(1A) (election day as respects district councils)4, after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa)
in the year 2023, 18th May;”.

Richard Tilbrook

Clerk of the Privy Council

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

Under section 11(1) of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (c. 14 (N.I.)), elections to district councils in Northern Ireland are to take place every fourth year from 2019. Section 11(1A) states that, in each election year, elections are to take place on the first Thursday in May. This Order amends that provision such that, in 2023, elections to district councils in Northern Ireland are to take place on 18th May (and not on 4th May).

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private or voluntary sector or community bodies is foreseen.