The number of people who voted in the British general election in Northern Ireland fell by almost 12 per cent, a report from the Electoral Commission revealed today.
The report said the 12 largest decreases in voter turnout in the United Kingdom occurred in Northern Ireland constituencies, with 93,644 fewer people casting their ballots in the election compared to 2001.
Electoral Commissioner Karamjit Singh said: "For many years, turnout at elections in Northern Ireland was considered healthy, but recent elections have given growing cause for concern.
"Our post election public opinion survey found the main reason given for not voting was a lack of interest in politics."
The commission also reported that over 20,000 ballot papers were spoiled during the election.
This problem was attributed largely to voter confusion caused by the local government election also taking place on the same day with a different voting system.
Among the recommendations the commission made in its report was the creation of an election steering group to plan for future ballots in Northern Ireland. It also called for a change in the design of ballot papers to help address voter confusion.
PA