enjoy, independence. A small number, however, prefer to remain in close association with the United Kingdom, although they are able to modify their choice at any time. 17. As regards paragraph 3 of article 1, the United Kingdom's support for the right of self-determination is well known. The United Kingdom regularly supports resolutions in United Nations bodies calling for the realization of that right. 18. The right to self-determination in the United Kingdom itself is exercised primarily through the electoral system. British citizens and citizens of other Commonwealth countries, together with citizens of the Republic of Ireland, are entitled to vote at Parliamentary elections provided they are aged 18 or over, resident in the United Kingdom and not subject to any legal incapacity to vote; most British citizens living abroad are also eligible to register as electors. 19. The British system of parliamentary government is sustained by an electorate casting its votes in free and secret ballots at periodic elections which offer a choice between rival candidates, usually representing organized political parties of different views. A general election, for all seats in the House of Commons, takes place at least every five years, but a Parliament may be, and often is, dissolved by the Sovereign, acting on the Prime Minister's advice, before the end of the full legal term. 20. Referendums have been held on Scottish and Welsh devolution, and on membership of the European Economic Community. Whether the people of Northern Ireland wished to remain in the United Kingdom was tested in a Border Poll in 1973 with a positive result. All elections in Northern Ireland continue to produce an overall majority of the electorate voting for Unionist policies, i.e. continuing as part of the United Kingdom. Article 2 Ethnic minorities 21. In Great Britain, the ethnic minority population numbers some 2,500,000 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the political system and population demographics of the United Kingdom, specifically mentioning the right to self-determination, parliamentary government, elections, and the ethnic minority population. These topics are more relevant to political and social aspects rather than economic or environmental issues.

**Category**
Politics, Education