Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Pts. II-IV applied in part (1.1.2007) by The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/439), reg. 53(6)
(1)If the Assembly passes a resolution that it should be dissolved the Secretary of State shall propose a date for the poll for the election of the next Assembly.
(2)A resolution under subsection (1) shall not be passed without the support of a number of members of the Assembly which equals or exceeds two thirds of the total number of seats in the Assembly.
[F1(3)If—
(a)the period mentioned in section 16A(3) ends without the offices of First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Ministerial offices to be held by Northern Ireland Ministers having been filled; or
(b)the period mentioned in section 16B(3) ends without the offices of First Minister and deputy First Minister having been filled,
the Secretary of State shall propose a date for the poll for the election of the next Assembly.]
(4)If the Secretary of State proposes a date under subsection (1) or (3), Her Majesty may by Order in Council—
(a)direct that the date of the poll for the election of the next Assembly shall, instead of being determined in accordance with section 31, be the date proposed; and
(b)provide for the Assembly to be dissolved on a date specified in the Order.
Textual Amendments
F1S. 32(3) substituted (8.5.2007) by Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 (c. 53), ss. 8, 27(4)(5) (as amended by Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2007 (c. 4), s. 1(1), Sch. 5 para. 4 (with s. 1(3)); S.I. 2007/1397, art. 2
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2S. 32 modified (1.11.2018) by Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act 2018 (c. 28), s. 1(3)(5), 10
C3S. 32(3)(a) applied (12.3.2009 temp. until 30.4.2012) by Northern Ireland Act 2009 (c. 3), ss. 1, 5, Sch. 1 para. 7(3)(b)