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Candidates handing in poll forms Candidates handing in poll forms
(28 minutes later)
Candidates in next month's assembly election are handing in their nomination forms at eight centres across Northern Ireland. Candidates in next month's assembly election have been handing in their nomination forms at eight centres across Northern Ireland.
Nominations close on Tuesday for the 7 March poll which the government hopes will set the scene for a return to devolution.Nominations close on Tuesday for the 7 March poll which the government hopes will set the scene for a return to devolution.
Nomination papers are being handed over in Belfast, Londonderry, Ballymena, Glengormley, Banbridge and Omagh.Nomination papers are being handed over in Belfast, Londonderry, Ballymena, Glengormley, Banbridge and Omagh.
Each candidate has to pay a £150 deposit.Each candidate has to pay a £150 deposit.
In the 2003 assembly election, more than 250 candidates competed for the 108 seats available at Stormont.In the 2003 assembly election, more than 250 candidates competed for the 108 seats available at Stormont.
However, a number of familiar political faces will not be contesting the election this time around.However, a number of familiar political faces will not be contesting the election this time around.
David Trimble and John Taylor, now Lord Trimble and Lord Kilclooney respectively, will not be standing.David Trimble and John Taylor, now Lord Trimble and Lord Kilclooney respectively, will not be standing.
The SDLP's Sean Farren, a former minister in the assembly, has retired from active politics as has the Alliance Party's Seamus Close.The SDLP's Sean Farren, a former minister in the assembly, has retired from active politics as has the Alliance Party's Seamus Close.
Meanwhile, 25 different nationalities have registered to vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly election, according to the Electoral Office.Meanwhile, 25 different nationalities have registered to vote in the Northern Ireland Assembly election, according to the Electoral Office.
Nearly 2,000 Poles have signed the electoral register, as well as 900 Portuguese, and nearly 800 Lithuanians.Nearly 2,000 Poles have signed the electoral register, as well as 900 Portuguese, and nearly 800 Lithuanians.
It is thought more than 6,000 foreign nationals may vote when Northern Ireland goes to the polls on 7 March.It is thought more than 6,000 foreign nationals may vote when Northern Ireland goes to the polls on 7 March.
On 26 March, a power-sharing executive is scheduled to be formed.On 26 March, a power-sharing executive is scheduled to be formed.