System for replacing MEPs changed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7778653.stm

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The Northern Ireland Office is pressing ahead with a system for replacing MEPs who fail to serve their full term.

The move is despite initial opposition from the Electoral Commission - the body charged with safeguarding the democratic process.

The new system would mean that, instead of a by-election, a party would choose a replacement for an MEP who resigned or died while in office.

When consulted the Electoral Commission had suggested an alternative system.

It wanted a list system similar to other regions whereby voters should have the opportunity to view a list of possible substitutes before polling day.

The commission made the suggestion as part of a consultation process - in which all but one political party broadly supported the government's plan.

Cahir Hughes of the Electoral Commission said its proposed list system was preferrable but stopped short of directly criticising the NIO's decision.

It is thought the NIO decided against the Electoral Commission's plan as it still allowed parties to change the substitute list after polling day.

The proposals have been sharply criticised by MEP Jim Allister as a "charter for abuse" by parties.