As Ireland gears up for its next general election on Friday November 29th, candidates and political parties must be mindful of the strict deadlines set for nominations.
With the election date confirmed as November 8, 2024, prospective candidates have limited time to submit their paperwork and fulfill all necessary requirements to appear on the ballot.
Who Can Run for Irish Election?
To qualify as a candidate for Dáil Éireann, Ireland’s national parliament, a person must:
•Be a citizen of Ireland
•Be at least 21 years of age
Candidates may choose to run as representatives of a political party or as independents. Party-affiliated candidates must go through the selection process specific to their party, whereas independent candidates have a separate path, outlined below.
Nomination Process and Final Deadline
For candidates not affiliated with a political party, nomination involves presenting a nomination paper to the returning officer in the constituency where they intend to stand. Independent candidates can nominate themselves and may stand in more than one constituency, without needing to live or own property there.
To be eligible, independent candidates must present one of the following to the returning officer:
•A Certificate of Party Affiliation (for those affiliated with a registered party)
•Statutory declarations signed by 30 local constituents
•A deposit of €500
Once the Clerk of the Dáil issues a writ (a formal document directing that an election be held), candidates have a limited window to finalize their nominations. For the 2024 general election, nomination papers must be submitted by noon on the 7th day following the issuance of the writ. Which is the 15th of November.
Looking Ahead
As November 29th November approaches, candidates across the political spectrum are preparing to make their case to voters. For those hoping to join the race, adhering to these deadlines is essential to ensure their place on the ballot in this pivotal election year.
