[20031219]RS21692_北爱尔兰：2003年选举.pdf

1In 1921, the mostly Catholic, southern part of Ireland won independence from Britain. TheresultingRepublicofIrelandoccupiesaboutfive-sixthsoftheislandofIreland;NorthernIrelandoccupies the remaining one-sixth.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21692December 19, 2003Northern Ireland: The 2003 Electionnamer edactedAnalyst in European AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryOnNovember26,2003,voters in Northern Ireland went to thepolls to elect anewAssembly, which has been suspended since 2002 because of ongoingdifficulties in thepeaceprocess. Hardlinepoliticalpartiesonbothsidesoftheunionist-nationalistdividesurpassed their more moderate rivals, dimming the prospects for restoring Belfastsdevolved government soon. This report will not be updated. See also, CRS ReportRS21333, Northern Ireland: The Peace Process, and CRS Report RL30368, NorthernIreland: Implementation of the Peace Agreement during the 106thCongress.BackgroundSince1969,over3,200peoplehavediedasaresultofpoliticalviolenceinNorthernIreland, which is a part of the United Kingdom. Theconflict,whichhas its origins in the1921divi