BY AILEEN MURPHY

Registered voters in the constituency of Fermanagh/South Tyrone has fallen by 3,843 from this time last year. The total number of voters registered here, and eligible to vote in the forthcoming March election, now stands at 64,039.

These figures will form the basis of the new ten year register which is being compiled and, as such has caused concern about the number of people 'missing' from the register.

The total number of people in Northern Ireland on the new register is almost 82,000, that is 7 percent lower (5,740) than on the register published on 1 December 2005; however, the 2005 register contained more than 95,000 individuals who had not returned a form but whose registration was 'carried forward' from the previous register.

The law no longer allows for such a carry forward. Ulster Unionist member, Tom Elliott expressed deep disappointment at the latest figures. He said: "It is even more alarming when one considers this is the last annual canvass to take place and, despite all the added publicity, people have failed to register. "I would urge all persons to check if their names are included in the new register. They can check with their local Ulster Unionist offices at 0288773265 or 02866322028. The necessary form should be completed before 11 January 2007, so that they will be entitled to vote in the Assembly Election in March 2007.

"I would make a special appeal to students and young people to ensure they are registered. Remember 'No voice - no vote'," he warned.

Anyone who missed last month's registration deadline has until 11 January to return a registration form to enable them to vote in the March election. For help with registration, call the Electoral Office Freephone Advice Line on 0800 4320217 or go to www.electoralofficeni.gov.uk