The Alliance Party has won a case in the Court of Appeal which could have implications for future election-related broadcasts.
The party went to the High Court after the Electoral Commission failed to allocate it any time to broadcast a closing address in the 2008 election campaign but the High Court upheld the commission's decision.
In a judgement issued on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal reversed the High Court decision.
It issued a declaration that under the Broadcasting Act, parties such as the Alliance, which meet the criteria, must be given time for opening and closing addresses.
The judgement casts no doubt on the standing and lawfulness of the 2008 general election.
