The Ulster Democratic Party cannot contest the upcoming local elections in the North using the party name or logo because it did not register in time with the Electoral Commission.
Mr David Adams, one of the party's four local councillors, confirmed that an "administrative oversight" meant the party missed the May 1st deadline to register. UDP candidates must now stand as independents.
Mr Adams said party officers realised the mistake two days after the closing date but were "pretty relaxed about it". They were all well known in their communities, and the absence of the party name would not have a large impact.
However, Mr Frank McCoubrey, the deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, described it as a "dreadful blunder". He said he would remain an independent in the Shankill Road area after the election.
The UDP is without representation in the Assembly, although the party leader, Mr Gary McMichael, has a seat in the Civic Forum. The party was not expected to stand in the general election but will field at least six candidates for the local polls.