Nominations have officially closed for next month's Stormont Assembly election with 239 candidates contesting 90 seats in the 5 May poll.
Key questions include whether Sinn Féin can win most seats and be eligible to take the First Minister's position.
It would be a hugely symbolic moment in Northern Ireland's history.
Just one seat separated the DUP and Sinn Féin at the 2017 election with Sinn Féin winning 27 to the DUP's 28.
The DUP has said it will not return to the Stormont Executive unless the Northern Ireland Protocol is changed to its satisfaction.
It has also said if Sinn Féin takes the First Minister's position the next decade will be dominated by debate over what it describes as a divisive border poll.
Sinn Féin has said the key test for all parties after the election is whether they're prepared to accept the outcome and share power based on equality.
Observers will be watching the performance of the middle-ground Alliance Party in the upcoming election.
It has done well in recent polls and is expecting to make further gains.
