At the gates of a historic victory in Northern Ireland, the nationalist party Sinn Fein, in favor of the reunification of all Ireland, has promised a "new era", despite the risk of political paralysis.

As the long counting of the ballots cast in the ballot boxes on Thursday to designate the 90 elected members of the Local Assembly progresses, partial results give Sinn Fein a slight lead against its unionist rival DUP, favorable to maintaining within the British crown.

It's a first in a hundred-year history of the province, under tension due to Brexit.

The end of the count should not reverse the situation

Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, meanwhile said the British province would enter a "new era" with her party's anticipated historic victory, promising to overcome divisions.

"Today is a very important moment of change," she said from her Mid Ulster constituency.

“I will provide inclusive leadership, celebrating diversity, ensuring rights and equality for those who have been excluded, discriminated against or ignored in the past,” she added.

A historic day.



We will work hard for everyone.

pic.twitter.com/WJi2slw5WW

— Michelle O'Neill (@moneillsf) May 6, 2022

In Belfast, the tally so far gives Sinn Fein 23 of the 77 declared seats, compared to 21 for its unionist rival the DUP. 

The nationalist party has already obtained the most first preference votes (29% against 21.3%) and the end of the count should not reverse the situation.

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has acknowledged on Sky News that Sinn Fein is set to become the new dominant party in the Assembly.

But the talks for the formation of a government promise to be difficult and the risk of paralysis hovers, the unionists refusing to join a government as long as the post-Brexit customs controls remain in place, which according to them threaten the integrity of the United Kingdom. United.

"I want a government in Northern Ireland, but it must be based on stable foundations", insisted Jeffrey Donaldson, deploring that the Northern Irish protocol "damages the economy" of the province and its "political stability ".

With AFP

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