OSCE releases election observers’ report

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) submitted its report Friday on its observation of the Norwegian parliamentary elections on 14 September. “Input from foreign election observers is important. We need ongoing debate about our democratic system,” says Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Liv Signe Navarsete.

A nine-person delegation from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was in Norway from 4 to 16 September. The delegation visited a number of municipalities and counties before and during the elections, holding meetings with state and local election authorities, political parties and the media.

In their report the election observers gave the Norwegian election process consistently high marks, noting that “the conduct of the 14 September elections confirmed that Norwegian elections are characterized by political pluralism, respect for fundamental freedoms and rights, a high degree of public trust in the impartiality of the election administration, and the integrity of the process as a whole” and that “the legal framework provides a generally sound basis for the conduct of democratic elections.”

OSCE also asked the Norwegian authorities to consider certain aspects of the Norwegian electoral process. Among others, the report pointed out two factors that diverge from international standards. One is the constitutional obligation of citizens to accept candidacy, and possibly election, without their approval. The other is that votes from the various constituencies are weighed differently. 

“We will now study the report from the OSCE thoroughly. The Government invited the OSCE to take a closer look at the Norwegian election process and rules, and I look forward to a debate on the suggestions the election observers have made. Openness and debate are important for maintaining public trust in the Norwegian election system,” says Navarsete.
While the minister’s opinion is clear on the point about the unequal weight of the vote among the constituencies, she said Norway will evaluate OSCE’s comments thoroughly.

“There has been agreement in Norwegian politics that rural constituencies shall be relatively more strongly represented than urban constituencies. The main reasons for this are found in political, cultural and economic factors. Citizens shall be heard regardless of where they live,” says Navarsete.

• OSCE report (pdf)

For more information, contact the press centre at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development at +47 22 24 25 00.