At stake in this Referendum:

• The ratification of the Northern Ireland Peace Agreement.

Description of government structure:

• Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II
• Head of Government: Prime Minister Anthony (Tony) BLAIR
• Assembly: Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) has a unicameral TBD with 0 seats.

Main provisions in the Referendum:

• Referendum on Northern Ireland Peace Agreement
  The referendum calls for the creation of a new independent assembly in Northern Ireland.
  The new assembly will be comprised of 108 members directly elected by proportional representation.
  The agreement allows for the creation of a North-South Ministerial Council which would give the governments of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland joint responsibility in certain areas which may include tourism, transportation, and the environment.
  The agreement allows for the creation of a British-Irish Council to bring together representatives of the British and Irish governments at regular intervals.

Electoral Requirements

• A simple majority vote is required in both referenda for ratification of the agreement.

Population and number of registered voters:

• Population: 1,663,300 (1998 est.)
• Registered Voters: 1,189,093 (1998)